The new Darth Vader: how tech execs became the film villains of our age
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Jeremy Strong’s portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Reckoning shows how public opinion has changed around billionaire CEOs since The Social Network’s release When The Social Network came out, Mark Zuckerberg organised a staff viewing of a film he described as “fun” . A group corporate outing
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A corporate boardroom with a large projection screen showing a film scene of a dark, hooded figure with a glowing red eye; the board members in suits and ties are seated around a polished wooden table, looking solemn and concerned.
Caption: Once upon a time, tech CEOs watched movies of themselves and thought it was fun.
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Based on the original story on theguardian.com.
Editor's note
It's fascinating to see how the perception of tech CEOs has shifted from revolutionary innovators to supervillains, much like the transformation of Anakin Skywalker into Darth Vader. This evolution reflects a growing skepticism toward the opaque, often unaccountable nature of tech companies and their leaders, mirroring the public's desire for transparency and ethical responsibility in technology.
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Panel 1
A small screening room at a tech company. A projector screen shows a film reel, and a group of employees are seated on folding chairs, looking uncomfortable. There's a large, imposing desk at the front with a laptop open on it.
Tech Employee 1: Hey, why do we look like we're in a prison cafeteria watching a lecture on business ethics?
Tech Employee 2: I heard the boss wants us to watch a movie about a guy who builds an empire by exploiting people's trust.
Panel 2
The same screening room, but now the employees are more restless. Some are checking their phones, and a few are whispering nervously. Mark Zuckerberg (reimagined as the CEO) sits at the desk, looking stern and watching the screen intently.
CEO: This is a fun film, guys. Learn from it.
Tech Employee 3: Fun? You mean the part where the guy steals other people's ideas and ruins lives?
Tech Employee 2: Or the part where he turns into a corporate monster with a light-up helmet?
Panel 3
The screening room, but now the projector screen is showing the iconic Darth Vader mask from *Star Wars*. The employees are visibly anxious, looking at the CEO who is staring blankly at the screen.
Tech Employee 1: Wait, what's this? Is this a preview for the next film?
CEO: Yes, it's the sequel where I become Darth Vader.
Tech Employee 2: Oh, right. You always wanted to be the Dark Lord of the Sith, didn't you?
CEO: Of course, but it's all just fun. Fun, I tell you.
Highlight: The CEO's deadpan delivery of "Of course, but it's all just fun" juxtaposed with his transformation into Darth Vader.
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