Attraction is a very scientific process. People from all walks of life, compelled by a biological imperative to reproduce, set out to achieve coupling. Neurotransmitters are sent, hormones are released, and subconscious bonds are formed with that dashing twentysomething across the bar. There is a method to attractions perceived madness. Yet, in spite of attractions logic, human beings tend to muck it up with all kinds of societally imposed decorum and tradition. Attraction is not a permanent condition, but rather a temporary state. It would seem obvious that people should be allowed to roam, as their heart desires, and to come and go as they please, free from judgment. Unfortunately, great pressure exists in many social circles to maintain a relationship long past its expiration date. Long-term relationships require forward momentum that our fleeting desires often wont accommodate. Rejection is a natural part of life, every bit as natural as attraction, and just as formative. Though time heals all wounds, even the most hardened among us can experience loss like a hot knife cutting to the bone. Without further ado.
7. The Social Network (Mark & Erica)
The Breakup: It only took a minute to feel this fight had been a long time coming. The conversation between Mark and Erica was as flat as the half-empty beers before them. Their dimly lit table at some shabby Boston-area college bar felt lived in even though theyd been sitting for mere minutes. Theyd had this conversation before. Final club. Exclusive. Got it. As the beat between words intensified, their subtext became text. Routine conversation about Marks impending pledge to frat life boiled into his being unimpressed with Ericas education, her position in life, and her ability to support him in his accomplishments. Basically, he had been a delusional, arrogant, selfish prick. In no uncertain terms, Erica explained why she (and scores of other potential lovers) should avoid Mark at all costs: Okay, you are probably going to be a very successful computer person. But youre gonna go through life thinking that girls dont like you because youre a nerd. And I want you to know from the bottom of my heart that that wont be true. Itll be because youre an a**hole. What Makes It So Brilliantly Devastating: It is clear that Mark and Erica werent attracted to each other anymore long before they entered the bar. This information was apparent to everyone except Mark. He was genuinely surprised by Ericas reaction, unaware that his dismissive comments were indeed the last straw. He couldnt see the irreparable damage hed done to their relationship because he was incapable of being present with another human being. When Erica justifiably attacked Mark, he was unable to defend himself. He knew that hed been a truly awful person. Her final condemnation was fuel for his insecurities, which clouded his decision-making for the rest of the film. To know that youd been repugnant to the point of being irredeemable was truly an awful fate, even to the deserving.
It is clear that Mark and Erica werent attracted to each other anymore long before they entered the bar. This information was apparent to everyone except Mark. He was genuinely surprised by Ericas reaction, unaware that his dismissive comments were indeed the last straw. He couldnt see the irreparable damage hed done to their relationship because he was incapable of being present with another human being. When Erica justifiably attacked Mark, he was unable to defend himself. He knew that hed been a truly awful person. Her final condemnation was fuel for his insecurities, which clouded his decision-making for the rest of the film. To know that youd been repugnant to the point of being irredeemable was truly an awful fate, even to the deserving.