Review of Broadcast News (1987) by Jacob G — 18 Sep 2011

I'll be honest--I suspect my appreciation of films that take place in a journalistic environment stem largely from being a Journalism minor. If I didn't have the scholastic background I can't imagine I would be able to understand the ethical crux that composes the backbone of the action.

Regardless, I appreciate the echoes of (the brilliant) Edward R. Murrow in Jane (Holly Hunter)'s early speech--except instead of with the captivating command of Murrow, hers flops badly. (Intentionally so--this isn't any failing on the part of Hunter.) The issue of journalistic integrity and ethics is one that, while driving the film in its own weird way, does take backseat to the relationship triangle between Jane and Tom (William Hurt) and Aaron (Albert Brooks).

This triangle causes the viewer to be making the same choices Jane has to make--two men, neither perfect, both with perks. Do we prefer Tom's unethical journalistic pandering--but suave style, nice demeanor, and otherwise great guy... or Aaron's intelligence, best-friend status, hard-working, and deeply caring--while sliding too soon into bitter sarcasm and cutting words.

The lion's share of the film goes to Tom and Jane--Aaron is regulated to the side, what I would guess is an intentional slight that mirrors both Jane's inability to reciprocate and the broadcasting company's failure to take any interest in his work. As such, as viewers, we see the movie clearest through the eyes of Tom and Jane, but Aaron is always there nagging, reminding us of his presence through cutting criticisms and moralistic bemoaning.