The Sound of Isolation in 'The Social Network'

With the recent win of Atticus Ross and Trent Reznor at the Golden Globes, I was reminded of their distinguished score in 'The Social Network', a film that chronicles the rise of Facebook and the complex journey of its founder, Mark Zuckerberg. Directed by David Fincher, the movie delves into the creation of one of the most influential social media platforms in history while exploring the personal, legal, and moral challenges that Zuckerberg faces along the way. This movie is one of my favorites from Fincher, alongside 'Seven' and 'Gone Girl.' He has a way of storytelling through his movies which I find very captivating. 

And although the musical accompaniment in 'The Social Network' is minimal, it is incredibly effective in setting the tone for the film. The score, particularly “Hand Covers Bruise” is an understated piece that helps build a sense of emotional isolation in the opening scene of the movie. The movie begins with Zuckerberg in a bustling bar in Boston having an awkward conversation with his girlfriend, Erica Albright. His lack of emotional intelligence and his backhanded comments eventually prompts Albright to break up with him within the same scene. 

Leaving the bar going back to his dorm, you see Zuckerberg walking through Harvard’s dark and gloomy campus setting and “Hand Covers Bruise” begins to play. The isolated piano, low bass, and synthesizers create this eerie and ambient atmosphere which also amplifies Zuckerberg’s sense of alienation. The track is fairly silent, leaving lots of pauses between melodies, highlighting Mark’s loneliness despite being on one of the country’s most prestigious institutions. He is constantly torn between his relentless ambition and authentic human connections. 

Zuckerberg’s emotional and social detachment is the main theme that is explored throughout the entire movie. It is one of his flawed characteristics, but allows him to make critical, and sometimes ruthless, decisions that ultimately lead to the unprecedented success of Facebook. 

(Columbia Pictures)