Film: Network (1976)
Director: Sidney Lumet
Producer: Howard Gottfried
Writer: Paddy Chayefsky
Cast: Faye Dunaway, William Holden, Peter Finch, Robert Duvall
Genre: Drama, Craziness
The story of (fictional) TV network UBS and their rise and fall in the world of broadcasting. The network usually has very low ratings. After being given a two weeks notice because of low ratings, anchorman Howard Beale (Peter Finch) goes on the air declaring that he is going to "blow his brains out" one week from the day. Beale's antics cause an uproar, but producer/best friend Max Schumacher is able to get him one more day on the air in order to give his audience a farewell. When on the air once again, Beale angrily rants about life being "bullshit". After this, the ratings begin to skyrocket. The upper members of UBS decide to keep Beale on the air with all his crazy antics, against the personal opinion of Max. Beale soon has his own TV show called "The Howard Beale Show" which becomes the most tuned-in program in the country.
Parallel with the story of Howard Beale is the story of producer of entertainment programming Diana Christensen, played by Faye Dunaway. She gets her hands on footage of of a terrorist group who videotapes themselves as they rob back, which give her the idea for a show based on the terrorist group and the crimes they commit. She is able to get the idea rolling for other network executives and eventually gains control of a news/entertainment division. To further this control, she has an affair with Max (a married man).
A lot more happens between all of this, but you are better off checking it out for yourself.
I have a friend who is going to be very happy with me for finally watching this film (Mr. Bolanos, I hope Birthright was enjoyable). For a long time now, he has claimed Network is his all-time favorite film. After watching it, I can see why loads of people would feel that way. The film is excellent! The story is a very particular one, and I haven't yet seen anything quite like it. Going behind the scenes with UBS is such a fascinating journey for the viewers, and the network has some of the most interesting people aboard. You might as well call it the "Crazy Train". There are scenes in the film that one can tell are the type that will stand the test of time in cinema. I'd say the best example is when Howard Beale first returns to the air after having supposedly spoken with God. His rage spreads well enough through the television that he is able to have his audience scream out their windows all over the country. "I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!". Watching as all the people stand outside their windows and scream, it's a really entertaining vision.
Faye Dunaway won her only Oscar for her performance in Network. I must say it bothers me that she didn't win for Chinatown (1974), but I totally agree with her win for this film. There is a lot of substance to her character, yet unfortunately that substance has this extreme connection with the world of television. It seems as if her character grew up during her adolescent years, always imagining that the real world was the same as the worlds she saw on the screen in her home. She tries to live a scripted-life. I'll never forget how over the top she is when her and Max get together. She continuously talks about her work at the network, even while they are having sex. It's outrageously funny, but in a way also outrageously frightening.
The film is one of the best I've seen in terms of forcing its audience to really think, to really reflect on themselves. There were so many things going on in my head while watching the film, I can't begin to even remember them all. The film definitely deserves at least a few viewings in order to grasp everything it says about the media. For one, it makes one question what they watch for entertainment...Do I really want to take part in watching a reality show where people are humiliated just to make its audience feel better about themselves? Also, how far are we willing to let the TV networks go with all the crazy shenanigans that they broadcast today, deeming it quality television? When has it gone far enough? Maybe it's time for this country to write thousands of telegrams to the White House, just like Beale convinces his audience to do in protest. The film reminds us that, sadly enough, television reigns supreme in this country.
If you enjoy this film, I recommend checking out David Cronenberg's Videodrome(1983). While it is a hell of a lot weirder, in it's own horrifying way, the film addresses a lot of the same types of questions. Also, who doesn't love James Woods?!
Well worth watching:
"I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore!!!!"
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