Classic Speedy
03-31-2010, 11:55 AM
"I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not gonna take this anymore!"
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v98/speedyboris/network.jpg
Release date: November 27, 1976
Studio: MGM/United Artists
Director: Sidney Lumet
Starring: William Holden, Faye Dunaway, Peter Finch, Robert Duvall, Wesley Addy, Ned Beatty
Plot summary: The struggling network UBS hits the jackpot when its laid-off news anchor, Howard Beale, says he's going to kill himself on the air in a week. A power struggle occurs between those in the department who want to run respectable news and those, such as Diana Christensen (Dunaway) who want to take Beale's new-found insanity and run with it on the air.
Comments?
This still remains one of my favorite movies. I rewatched this movie last night, and it holds up surprisingly well, even though it was made over 30 years ago. In particular, the theme of a disillusioned, fed-up America (due to all the problems of the time, such as unemployment, inflation, overseas wars, and political corruption) are even more true now, as we have all those things and more. And there are certainly individuals on the airwaves now who possess some of the same characteristics that Beale has, and how some will eat up their every rant as if it's gospel. In many ways, the movie is no longer satire, sadly.
This movie is full of great monologues (http://www.whysanity.net/monos/monos5a.html); my favorite, though, isn't the famous "mad as hell" speech, but Ned Beatty's character chewing out Beale in a darkly lit room, saying that his rants have meddled with the monetary forces of nature, and must stop. Good stuff.
Also, Diana Christensen is a fascinating character. As she herself put it, she's terrible at everything except her job. And this comes full circle when she gets involved with Max Schumacher and we see that the only thing she ever talks about is ratings and TV, even while having sex. It's always a joy to see Max finally leave her, realizing there's nothing there and that she's using Beale for her own ends.
Oh, and the ending? Need I say more. It still remains one of the best climaxes in any movie I've seen. The juxtaposition of the image of Beale gunned down with kid's commercials and reporters discussing the shooting like that's how things are supposed to be (which is exactly what Beale was ranting about in his famous speech)- quite thought-provoking on the desensitization brought on by the media.
Anyway, lots to discuss about this film, but it definitely earned the Oscars it got.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v98/speedyboris/network.jpg
Release date: November 27, 1976
Studio: MGM/United Artists
Director: Sidney Lumet
Starring: William Holden, Faye Dunaway, Peter Finch, Robert Duvall, Wesley Addy, Ned Beatty
Plot summary: The struggling network UBS hits the jackpot when its laid-off news anchor, Howard Beale, says he's going to kill himself on the air in a week. A power struggle occurs between those in the department who want to run respectable news and those, such as Diana Christensen (Dunaway) who want to take Beale's new-found insanity and run with it on the air.
Comments?
This still remains one of my favorite movies. I rewatched this movie last night, and it holds up surprisingly well, even though it was made over 30 years ago. In particular, the theme of a disillusioned, fed-up America (due to all the problems of the time, such as unemployment, inflation, overseas wars, and political corruption) are even more true now, as we have all those things and more. And there are certainly individuals on the airwaves now who possess some of the same characteristics that Beale has, and how some will eat up their every rant as if it's gospel. In many ways, the movie is no longer satire, sadly.
This movie is full of great monologues (http://www.whysanity.net/monos/monos5a.html); my favorite, though, isn't the famous "mad as hell" speech, but Ned Beatty's character chewing out Beale in a darkly lit room, saying that his rants have meddled with the monetary forces of nature, and must stop. Good stuff.
Also, Diana Christensen is a fascinating character. As she herself put it, she's terrible at everything except her job. And this comes full circle when she gets involved with Max Schumacher and we see that the only thing she ever talks about is ratings and TV, even while having sex. It's always a joy to see Max finally leave her, realizing there's nothing there and that she's using Beale for her own ends.
Oh, and the ending? Need I say more. It still remains one of the best climaxes in any movie I've seen. The juxtaposition of the image of Beale gunned down with kid's commercials and reporters discussing the shooting like that's how things are supposed to be (which is exactly what Beale was ranting about in his famous speech)- quite thought-provoking on the desensitization brought on by the media.
Anyway, lots to discuss about this film, but it definitely earned the Oscars it got.