After discovering that Mark Zuckerberg has launched 'theFacebook', the Winklevoss twins and Divya Narendra realize they have been betrayed. The trio debates whether to take legal action or physical retribution, highlighting the conflict between their 'gentlemanly' Harvard values and the cutthroat reality of the tech world.
TYLER: Welcome to theFacebook. TheFacebook is an online directory that connects people through different social networks. You must have a Harvard.edu address to register.
CAMERON: That’s right.
DIVYA: I called earlier. I’m looking for Mark Zuckerberg.
CAMERON: Yes sir, he’s quoted a couple of times. I can read it to you, “Everyone’s been talking a lot about a…
Format: Scene · Genre: Drama · Source: The Social Network · Author: Aaron Sorkin · Characters: Cameron, Tyler, Divya
This compelling scene, titled "Gentlemen of Harvard," plunges us into the immediate aftermath of a significant betrayal. The Winklevoss twins, Cameron and Tyler, along with their business partner Divya Narendra, discover that Mark Zuckerberg has launched 'theFacebook,' a concept they believed was theirs. The raw emotion of frustration and righteous anger permeates the dorm room as they grapple with this profound deception, forcing them to confront the stark contrast between their privileged upbringing and the cutthroat reality of the burgeoning tech world.
Each character in this scene embodies a distinct facet of the conflict. Cameron, seemingly the more composed of the twins, attempts to navigate the situation with a semblance of his ingrained 'gentlemanly' decorum, even while on the phone with his father and lawyer. Tyler, on the other hand, is driven by a more visceral, almost jock-like indignation, focused on the tangible impact of the betrayal and the sheer scale of Zuckerberg's rapid success. Divya Narendra, as the third partner, provides a sharp, intellectual counterpoint, articulating the professional and ethical dimensions of their predicament with a sense of disbelief and intellectual affront.
This scene is a fantastic choice for auditions due to its high-stakes drama and the clear emotional arcs present in each character. It offers ample opportunity for actors to showcase a range of emotions, from initial shock and disbelief to simmering anger and a struggle for agency. The dynamic interplay between the three characters, each with their own perspective and proposed course of action, creates a rich tapestry for performance and demonstrates an actor's ability to engage in complex dialogue and group dynamics.
This audition piece is particularly well-suited for male actors in the 20-22 age range who can authentically portray characters of an upper-class background with an underlying current of frustration or righteous anger. It’s ideal for drama-school auditions, agent showcases, or self-tapes where an actor aims to present themselves as a leading man, especially those with casting types such as "Upper Class," "Jock," or "Young Professional." The scene's intense emotional core makes it excellent for showcasing dramatic acting skills.
When approaching this scene, focus on internalizing the feeling of betrayal and the clash between your character's upbringing and the unfair situation they face. For Cameron, consider the weight of family expectations and maintaining composure under duress. For Tyler, lean into the physical and more overtly frustrated aspects of his anger, perhaps using subtle physicality to convey his indignation. Divya should embody a sense of intellectual and strategic affront, his frustration perhaps more inwardly seething. Ensure each line is delivered with a clear objective and an awareness of the other characters' reactions, making the group dynamic feel authentic and lived-in.