Review of Network (1976) by Michael S — 15 Sep 2012
This is a powerful look at what happens to a network when the very person they were looking to get rid of instead becomes a phenomenon. It shows how far a network will take something to get ratings. It shows what happens to the people when they begin to mine a sudden success and only to have it consume and eventually blow up in their faces.
This is where the famed: "I'm Mad as hell, and I am not going to take it anymore!" line comes from. It is a great summation of the events that take place in this film. When faced with the possibility of loosing his job, a local news man decides to do something drastic. When this happens, the network is thrown into turmoil, it isn't until the home audience begins to tune in that things take a turn for them. Only, that doesn't last as long as it needs to, so in return, the network decides to do something drastic.
The acting in the movie is top notch. Everybody, from William Holding, Peter Finch, Robert Duvall, and Faye Dunaway helps to realistically fill you with empathy or hate.
In many ways, this movie saw the coming of the news/reality show era and the fascination of people's attention to sensationalism. Even though this movie was made in the 70's, there are still many themes that ring true today. If you get a chance to watch this classic, do so.
This review of Network (1976) was written by Michael S on 15 Sep 2012.
Network has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
