"The Social Network": Read The Screenplay By Aaron Sorkin
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Have you read "The Social Network" screenplay by Aaron Sorkin? See it right here, right now! This isn't a product of fan labor, and it's not a transcript. Get ready, because you're about to immerse yourself in something fantastic.
And, for your consideration, we offer two different drafts: one from October 2010, the other -- the "FYC" draft -- from January 2011. Free, courtesy of 8FLiX and Sony Pictures.
Let's take a closer look at the Oscar-winning screenplay.
Discover More About "The Social Network" Screenplay
The story.
Directed by David Fincher and written by Aaron Sorkin, "The Social Network" tells the dramatized origin story of Facebook and its polarizing founder, Mark Zuckerberg. Based on the book The Accidental Billionaires by Ben Mezrich, the film follows Zuckerberg’s meteoric rise from Harvard computer nerd to the world’s youngest billionaire — and the lawsuits, betrayals, and ethical compromises that follow.
Though it’s about tech, money, and innovation, at its heart The Social Network is a character-driven drama about ambition, loyalty, and the personal cost of success.
Explored Themes.
1. The Cost of Ambition.
Zuckerberg’s intense drive to prove himself powers the plot, but his success comes at a personal cost. He builds the world’s biggest social network — and ends up completely alone.
Screenwriting takeaway:
- Give your protagonist a powerful goal — and make them pay for it.
- Explore the tension between external success and internal emptiness.
2. Dialogue as Action.
Aaron Sorkin’s rapid-fire dialogue is more than witty — it’s weaponized storytelling. Characters spar with words like they're fencing. Each line moves the plot and sharpens character.
Screenwriting takeaway:
- Use dialogue to reveal character intention, conflict, and power.
- Rhythm and pacing in conversations can heighten tension without physical action.
3. Dual Perspectives.
The story unfolds through dueling legal depositions, letting us see different versions of the same events. No one’s telling the whole truth — which invites audience interpretation.
Screenwriting takeaway:
- Let your story unfold through conflicting POVs to add depth and ambiguity.
- Unreliable narrators spark curiosity and keep viewers engaged.
4. Friendship and Betrayal.
The emotional center of the film is the friendship between Mark and Eduardo Saverin — and its eventual unraveling. The betrayal hits harder than the lawsuits.
Screenwriting takeaway:
- Ground complex plots with emotional stakes.
- Betrayal is one of the most powerful tools in storytelling when rooted in genuine connection.
5. Theme in a Line.
"You’re not an asshole, Mark. You’re just trying so hard to be."
This single line captures the heart of the film — identity, insecurity, and the desire for control in a social world he feels excluded from.
Screenwriting takeaway:
- Anchor your theme in memorable dialogue.
- Let character flaws mirror the story’s central questions.
Why It Matters.
"The Social Network" is a modern classic of screenwriting: tightly structured, brilliantly paced, and rich with moral complexity. It’s a must-study for writers interested in:
- Biopics and true-story adaptations
- Dialogue-driven storytelling
- Character studies with no “heroes,” only choices
Whether you're teaching screenwriting, character design, or narrative structure, "The Social Network" is an essential case study.
Screenwriting Lessons.
Explore the screenwriting lessons behind "The Social Network." This free educator PDF covers what we just went over: themes of ambition, loyalty, and dialogue-driven storytelling—perfect for film students and teachers.
Take a look at "The Social Network" logline.
As Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg creates the social networking site that would become known as Facebook, he is sued by the twins who claimed he stole their idea and by the co-founder who was later squeezed out of the business. Sony Pictures
"The Social Network" Screenplay Details.
Whether you're a fan or an aspiring screenwriter, here are key insights to know.
To get "The Social Network" script now, keep scrolling until you see the READ / DOWNLOAD button. And, just a reminder, for a better understanding of our color-coded classifications, scroll a little further down until you find the "Glossary."
Okay, here are the facts:
| Type | ... |
ORIGINAL
|
| Version | ... | GoldenrodWorking Draft |
| Date | ... | 10.29.2010 |
| Pages | ... | 161 + 45 |
| Genres | ... | BioDrama |
| Screenplay | ... | Aaron Sorkin |
| IMDb ID | ... | 1285016 |
How to read and download the screenplay.
Click or tap the READ/DOWNLOAD button. You may need to create a free account, or log in.
It's free! Enjoy the read, and thanks for visiting 8FLiX!
| Type | ... |
FYC
|
| Version | ... | FinalFYC |
| Date | ... | 01.12.2011 |
| Pages | ... | 163 |
| Genres | ... | BioDrama |
| Screenplay | ... | Aaron Sorkin |
| IMDb ID | ... | 1285016 |
How to read and download the screenplay.
Click or tap the READ/DOWNLOAD button. You may need to create a free account, or log in.
It's free! Enjoy the read, and thanks for visiting 8FLiX!
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