Review of Talk Radio (1988) by Ronilson A — 28 Aug 2010
Oliver Stone's "Talk Radio" is a film too often left out of the critical discussion regarding the director's body of work. Stone's detractors have always adamantly resisted the director's movies, assuming them to all be facile, left-wing diatribes. Well, "Talk Radio" is a polemic, but it not only finds fault with the serious dysfunctions inherent to our society, it also spreads the blame generously to those bigoted, ignorant and trivial-minded people who don't entertain any hopes of making that society better. The movie is also a first-rate thriller.
Bogosian was the perfect choice to play the radio personality. There were a few electrifying moments observing his self-destructive behavior when I forgot I was even watching a movie. One such moment is the emotionally draining monologue delivered near the film's conclusion, when the studio begins spinning deliriously around and around. One story thread, that at first seemed like another one of those banal movie subplots involving an ex-wife, turned out to be of the utmost importance in understanding Bogosian's character. The essential backstory behind his career and the separation from his loving wife is presented through a devastating flashback sequence shot in muted color.
The film is a darkly humorous, claustrophobically suspenseful and profoundly disturbing look at the possibly tragic repercussions of freedom of speech when exercised to the max. The horrifying thing about the film is that the misinformed, paranoid, bigoted, and just plain stupid people that call in to Bogosian's late night show are everywhere these days (even participating in misguided, pseudo-populist political parties). I've admired most of Stone's films--with the exceptions being "Alexander" and "World Trade Center"--and I think it's safe to say that "Talk Radio" is in his top five. Even though released over twenty years in the past, this is a moving and profound work that should be seen and discussed right here and now.
**** Four Stars.
-Oliver Spivey.
This review of Talk Radio (1988) was written by Ronilson A on 28 Aug 2010.
Talk Radio has generally received positive reviews.
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