Steep, STEEP praise for David Fincher and Aaron Sorkin, director and writer of the upcoming “The Social Network.” The praise comes from New York Film Festival director Richard Pena in announcing the film as the opener of this year’s fest.
From Thompson on Hollywood:
[The film] powerfully captures the spirit of its time…David Fincher and Aaron Sorkin are a director/writer team, like Lumet and Chayefsky before them, that make this movie not only of the moment, but reflective of larger cultural issues as well, and confirm their position at forefront of contemporary cinema.
Now, I’m not saying Fincher and Sorkin aren’t worthy of that. I haven’t seen “The Social Network,” after all. But I sure wouldn’t want to be in their shoes having to rise to the level of that compliment. But then again, I consider “Network” to be the best screenplay ever written. Hey, how about that? “The Social NETWORK.”
Anyway, the new trailer, also from Thompson, after the jump.
Comments
19 responses to “Fincher/Sorkin = Lumet/Chayefsky?”
Finally something cool at the NYFF.
Glad I’m not the only one who’s drinking from the Network Kool-Aid. Tis very high praise indeed if this new ‘Network’ is remotely as good as the 70s classic.
Sounds like it’s too hip as well, probably handicapping Awards chances.
The movie is probably also a masterpiece.
Wow, I’ve always considered Network to be the greatest screenplay ever written as well. I’ve even written article about that. Odd considering how many films there are in the world to pick the same one, even if it isn’t really going out on a limb with that choice.
I am excited for this film! Fingers crossed that it pans out and doesn’t implode on itself (but then when has Fincher really ever failed?)
I agree with Network being absolutely genius. That movie has aged so well b/c it was so ahead of its time. I know this is kinda lame but I really wish that Fincher/Sorkin had found some role for Faye Dunaway to play, even if it was just a cameo or playing the mother of one of the characters or something. No particular reason why I want that, I just love her work from the late 60’s/70’s and its about time she finds worthwhile roles again!
Network?! Sidney Lumet & Paddy Chayefsky?! Have Pena and his crew gone off their rockers?! Maybe the film is better than the trailers. But, for me, this looks totally uninteresting. I can’t believe they picked this for opening night. Perhaps they are trying to attract a younger crowd.
“but then when has Fincher really ever failed?”
Panic Room (2002)
Panic Room was pretty good, received generally favorable reviews, and made 90 mil at the box office. Hardly a failure.
@ #7: I don’t entirely disagree with that (I think that is my least favorite of his films) but I still enjoyed quite a lot of the film in a more suspense-thriller entertainment kind of way and not in a more sophisticated/intellectual way that his other films have always provided me to feel (on top of being entertained by them as well.) Some filmmakers do fine with only making entertaining films, but others like Fincher have loftier goals and usually achieve them but Panic Room was not his best effort imho.
Alien 3 was a terrible movie IMO and many would classify that as a failure. But aside from that I do believe all his movies got at least fairly good reviews, even films like The Game and Zodiac that didn’t do as well at the box office.
Havn’t seen The Game, Panic Room was good but not great (and not meant to be anything sophisticated/intellectual like his other films), and I suppose Alien 3 can be counted as his only failure. Of course, we’ve also heard horror stories about how FOX stole that movie from him (micro-managed during production, butchered it in editing).
Alien 3 was a near masterpiece before Fox dismantled it.
And Panic Room, IMO, blows.
But I love Fincher. Love.
I’m really looking forward to this movie, Fincher hasn’t failed me yet. What I don’t understand is why people are hating on this before they even have seen an ounce of footage or have read the screenplay (unless people have done those two things, but I’ve heard the screenplay is brilliant). Why are people so reluctant to a movie about the founding of a website? But I guess everyone is entitled to there opinion.
If this comparison turns out to be at least halfway true, we have something golden here.
Wow… I totally love the trailer. It was just a chat talking, but it was really really intense.
Also, it’s Fincher who is behind this project so it can’t go wrong :D He is one of the most creative, original and great directors out there (and I love Seven and Fight Club; and loving more and more TCCoBB with each new view)
Greetings from Chile and thanks for the trailer
“Network” was the first thing that came to mind after seeing the first trailer. That and Amadeus.
I so have to see Network !! :D (for all your comentaries)
When people drop terms like as good or reminiscent with regards to “Network” I get insanely excited.
I wasn’t to excited about this film (but decided I would watch on DVD because of my love for Sorkin and Fincher). Now, it’s a must see.
I really like “Network.”
i believe it was a Facebook movie but here it’s a Twitter movie