Review of Broadcast News (1987) by Cameron H — 02 Feb 2017

I take interest in disparity between opinions from professional critics and those from the general audience. What does one see that the other sees differently? In the case of Broadcast News, it was how much the film actually has to do with the news. The general audience seems to be looking for another Network, a compelling tale on how manipulative and vapid contemporary media and journalism are evolving. However, director and screenwriter James L Brooks is no Sidney Lumet, nor is he even trying to be. I personally like how in depth Brooks goes in depicting the setting of live news coverage, but that is all in the presentation. The core of the story has nothing to do with Broadcast News, and, despite many comedic moments, is not a romantic comedy so much as a romantic drama with laughs. Come to think of it, this movie has everything I could want in a romantic drama: a sense of humour, and an intriguing presentation to help the drama go down easier. The characters themselves are fascinating. William Hurt, with sharp looks and a dim mind, has his heart in pleasing those to which he looks up, despite not always knowing better. Albert Brooks, quite the opposite, is so mindful of his own smarts that he lacks foresight as to where his heart lies, not to mention the intentions of others (except Gaddahfi). Holly Hunter is in good control when entrusted to take full control, but fails to compromise when her principles are violated. Broadcast News is the story of a love chain between the three, with Hunter in the middle.

All of the actors are electrifying, playful, ready to snap at any moment. Best yet, no sides are taken! James Brooks highlights the flaws in all of the characters, as well as the humanity behind such flaws. William Hurt is so used to a pattern of everything falling into place that he wants to maintain that pattern as best as he can. Albert Brooks, no matter how hard he proves his genius, cannot escape the rut of poor presentation, so he clings onto knowledge and his own intelligence for comfort. Holly Hunter yearns for control because she constantly feels like her life has been out of control, and reaching for such is the only way of regaining it. Remarkable work: well-paced, unbiased, and it satisfies my infatuation with the newsroom.