Review of Broadcast News (1987) by Bob V — 05 Nov 2010

Somewhat iconic 80's movie that works both as a damning satire about network news and its (by now all but completed) deterioration in just another part of ratings grabbing entertainment, and as a story about the difficulty for people to connect and how work is an easy excuse not to have to.

The first angle's been done, and done better, by Network, and for me this movie's strength is indeed in the characters relationships with each other. Fine acting (though sorry, I still can't get behind Holly Hunter, and probably never will) by all involved, an uncredited supporting part by mister Jack Nicholson, and a memorable slapstick dash across the newsroom by Joan Cusack in the most horrid hair and make-up. I'm talking Boy George-ean proportions. And possible even he watched this movie and went "oh HON-ay, NO!".