The film takes place in the fictional UBS network, where Howard Beale (Peter Finch) is about to be fired due to low ratings. After hearing the news, Beale announces on air that he will commit suicide during his next broadcast. This creates a sensation and prompts the network executives to reconsider their decision.
In an effort to boost ratings, the network decides to give Beale his own show where he can express his views. Beale becomes an instant hit with the public, and his show becomes the network's highest-rated program. However, Beale's views become increasingly radical and chaotic, and the network struggles to control him.
The film also focuses on the personal lives of the network executives, particularly Diana Christensen (Faye Dunaway), a ruthless programming executive who seeks to exploit Beale's popularity for her own career advancement. Meanwhile, Max Schumacher (William Holden), a senior executive, has an affair with Christensen but later realizes the dangers of the network's influence over the public.
The film's satire is evident in its portrayal of the network as a heartless and manipulative entity, and the characters as driven by greed and ambition. The film also criticizes the public's obsession with television and the media's ability to shape public opinion.
Network is a landmark film that accurately predicted the future of television and the media. Its themes are still relevant today, particularly in the era of social media and the 24-hour news cycle.
Here are some interesting facts about the movie:
• Network won four Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Peter Finch, Best Actress for Faye Dunaway, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actress for Beatrice Straight.
• Peter Finch died just a few weeks after the film's release, making him the first actor to win an Academy Award posthumously.
• The film was originally intended to be a serious drama, but screenwriter Paddy Chayefsky decided to make it a satire after watching television news.
• The film's famous line "I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!" has become a popular cultural reference and has been quoted in various contexts.
• The film's final scene, where Beale is assassinated on live television, was considered too controversial by some networks, and the film was not shown on television for several years.
• Network's success helped pave the way for other satirical films of the 1970s, such as All the President's Men and Network.
• The film's score was composed by Elliot Lawrence and features a memorable theme that reflects the film's themes of manipulation and power.
• Network has been described as a cautionary tale about the dangers of the media and the importance of maintaining one's individuality and integrity in the face of societal pressure.
Overall, Network is a classic film that remains relevant today. Its themes of media manipulation and the importance of individuality are still important and should be taken seriously in our current era of social media and ubiquitous news coverage.
Director : Sidney Lumet
Writer : Paddy Chayefsky
Director of Photography : Owen Roizman
Music : Elliot Lawrence
Production : 1976 - USA - 121 m.
Genre : Drama
Writer : Paddy Chayefsky
Director of Photography : Owen Roizman
Music : Elliot Lawrence
Production : 1976 - USA - 121 m.
Genre : Drama
CAST :
Faye Dunaway
William Holden
Peter Finch
Robert Duvall
Wesley Addy
Ned Beatty
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