Review of Network (1976) by Sean D — 18 Jan 2012
When I think of perfectly written movies, "Network" immediately pops into my head. Paddy Chayefsky's ferocious script tears into television and media like cheetah on a sickly gazelle. Add to this wonderful performances from William Holden, Faye Dunaway, Robert Duvall, and, obviously, Peter Finch, and the direction of the mad genius Sidney Lumet, and you have one hell of a movie.
The movie delivers a look of the rise and fall of a television show and the multiude of factors that influence it. Howard Beale goes off the deep end when he finds out he is about to lose his job and announces that he will commit suicide live on-air.
The entirely job-driven, to the point of a major fault, hatches a plan to give him his own show. And the ratings pour in. Beale begins to spout insane ramblings and conspiracy theories which get him in big trouble (See the fantastically frightening scene where Ned Beatty delivers the second best, only to the infamous "Mad as Hell" speech, monologues in the movie).
Meanwhile, Max Schumacher (Holden) gets involved with Faye Dunaway and has an affair. Beatrice Straight, who plays Max's wife, only has, at most, about five minutes of screen time, but delivers a wonderful performance as a wife who cannot take it anymore.
.. and then gets an Oscar for it). Preachy? Yes. Damning? Absolutely. A superb movie by one of the great directors with many great performances by stupendous actors and actresses.
This review of Network (1976) was written by Sean D on 18 Jan 2012.
Network has generally received very positive reviews.
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