Review of Network (1976) by Emilia Cinzia P — 11 Jun 2013

A film now over 30 years old that was ahead of its time with what it was trying to say. Strong performances, memorable scenes and arguably still as relevant today as it was back then?

News presenter Howard Beale has just been given the sack from the TV station that he has given 25 years' service. This is partly due to the stations poor ratings and a change in management at the executive level. During his next slot he announces that he is to commit suicide live on air. This results in a rise in ratings. As a part of the changes from up on high the News dept is to be brought into line with the rest of the organisation by making them more accountable financially. This irks News chief Max Schumacher who allows Howard back on air by way of revenge. Beale then proceeds to let fly a rant about "No more Bull". This outburst leads to an even bigger rise in ratings and head of programming Diana Christensen spots an opportunity that could be exploited for the benefit of the station. The execs are persuaded by the ratings (and Christensen) to continue to give Beale airtime where he goes on to give possibly one of the greatest speeches in cinema history with the now infamous "Mad as hell" scene. This leads onto Beale being granted further slots and attaining almost evangelical status. Running alongside this are various subplots including the rising influence of the oil nations over the West, the selling out of political ideology for financial gain and the birth of the career minded woman (albeit at the expense of personal happiness). What a marvellous, thought provoking film this is, whilst Faye Dunaway and Peter Finch are the stand out performances there is not a bad turn from anybody.

The story is gripping and involving and I have my doubts if anything portrayed here is any different today. As well as the political aspects it signifies the emergence of the independently minded career woman. Be warned that this aspect is not painted in a very positive light but few of the subjects tackled here are in all honesty and this is where the film has got its cynical tag from. If this film is food for thought then it is the all you can eat buffet at the Oxo Tower Restaurant in London.