Review of Network (1976) by Jon P — 10 Dec 2017
Sidney Lumet's shocking newsroom satire probably got big laughs from savvy audiences back in 1976. But in 2017, its scathing cynicism is simply too true to the hypocrisies of the day.
In the film, broadcasters capitalise on a disturbed man's ingenious rantings and ravings, which quickly become the nation's slice of 'must-see' weekly TV.
Both on and off the air, Network features some of the greatest speeches ever to grace the silver screen, many of which deconstruct and dissect the mechanics of the modern media, the dark heart of corporate capitalism, or even the inherent pain of a doomed human existence - all 'articulating the popular rage' in the manner of a modern-day politician, or even a super-hip vlogger.
Network is quite rightly often credited with predicting the direction of the modern media, and even the rise of reality TV. But there's so much more in this prescient picture that'll leave viewers thinking Sybil the Soothsayer should've been granted a screenwriting credit.
This review of Network (1976) was written by Jon P on 10 Dec 2017.
Network has generally received very positive reviews.
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