Network is one of those films that sticks with the viewer long after the credits roll. It is immensely entertaining and easily one of the best black comedies I've seen in a long time. Network exaggerates a lot, but is sadly a testament to most television networks in that most of them do anything for better ratings. Find out what the people like and give them what they want. With an impressive and talented cast and a capable director, Network is a solid, well written film with few problems and a lot of satire.
From the first few scenes, I thought Network would be one of those preposterous, unbelievable movies that would have me rolling my eyes at the idea of it being considered a classic. I was wrong. The film does very well in its purpose of showing the lunacy that goes on behind the scenes of television. We have a news anchor who goes crazy and, when ratings skyrocket, his well-being is the last thing that anyone is worried about. The characters here all seem to get caught up in making this fictitious television network the hottest thing on the tube. It is exaggerated, yes, but it makes a firm point and does so in a satirical manner that leaves the viewer satiated.
Probably the best thing about Network is the wonderful, wonderful dialogue. Every word is sharp and it contains some of the most quotable lines in the history of cinema. Most notably, the famous, "I'm as mad as hell and I'm not going to take this anymore!" delivered rather brilliantly by the late Peter Finch (who, deservedly, won a posthumous Oscar for the role). The rest of the cast is equally brilliant, especially the always-delightful Faye Dunaway, who plays a woman obsessed with getting to the top. William Holden, Robert Duvall, and Ned Beatty are all solid in their roles as well.
There's never a dull moment here and, although the ending was a bit extreme, the film makes its point in a way that is both amusing and thought-provoking. Even though it's over thirty years old, Network is still relevant to today and, aside from the lack of cellular phones and personal computers, is not in the least bit dated. I have a feeling it'll also become one of those films that becomes more rewarding with each additional viewing. Here's a DVD I can't wait to add to my collection.
9/10
From the first few scenes, I thought Network would be one of those preposterous, unbelievable movies that would have me rolling my eyes at the idea of it being considered a classic. I was wrong. The film does very well in its purpose of showing the lunacy that goes on behind the scenes of television. We have a news anchor who goes crazy and, when ratings skyrocket, his well-being is the last thing that anyone is worried about. The characters here all seem to get caught up in making this fictitious television network the hottest thing on the tube. It is exaggerated, yes, but it makes a firm point and does so in a satirical manner that leaves the viewer satiated.
Probably the best thing about Network is the wonderful, wonderful dialogue. Every word is sharp and it contains some of the most quotable lines in the history of cinema. Most notably, the famous, "I'm as mad as hell and I'm not going to take this anymore!" delivered rather brilliantly by the late Peter Finch (who, deservedly, won a posthumous Oscar for the role). The rest of the cast is equally brilliant, especially the always-delightful Faye Dunaway, who plays a woman obsessed with getting to the top. William Holden, Robert Duvall, and Ned Beatty are all solid in their roles as well.
There's never a dull moment here and, although the ending was a bit extreme, the film makes its point in a way that is both amusing and thought-provoking. Even though it's over thirty years old, Network is still relevant to today and, aside from the lack of cellular phones and personal computers, is not in the least bit dated. I have a feeling it'll also become one of those films that becomes more rewarding with each additional viewing. Here's a DVD I can't wait to add to my collection.
9/10