 "Who knew this was apocalyptic literature?" | 2009-10-29 |
| - Reviewed By User: A2AYBAFN1G1Z2U |
Inside a smoky screening room.
STUDIO HEAD
So what do we want to call it?
LACKEY
I was thinking The Political Economy of Network Television: a Cautionary Tale.
SH
Nah. People might figure out it's a political flick. Network sounds snappy.
LACKEY
You're absolutely right, sir.
SH
Besides, if they're paying attention they'll figure it out anyway.
Uproarious laughter from SH and LACKEY as scene fades to black.
***
Apparently some people think the American moviegoing public will only drink politics if it's mixed with Kool-Aid (Kool-Aid being espionage, gangsterism, or neat biopics). Not so here! Sidney Lumet presents Paddy Chayefsky's screenplay the way it was meant to be: urgent, satirical, and spot-on. This one wears its political guts on the outside, dissecting the anatomy of network television and the relationship between it and the sensationalist acts of the ultraleft groups of the period.
In this respect it bears an eerie resemblance to Fassbinder's The Third Generation. But where Fassbinder targets the RAF, Lumet and Chayefsky take aim at the newsmakers. Person by person you see how the quest for ratings (and thus profits) warps people like worn-out gears.
But be warned: comparing this film with the state of TV today may cause you to echo Howard Beale: "I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!"
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 "A Prescient Folly" | 2009-10-07 |
| - Reviewed By User: A3M33V8N9QMHWL |
When I first saw Paddy Chayefsky's media splash film "Network," I remember thinking how sad it would be should the news media, particularly the T.V. Broadcast News Media, ever fall so low as to turn the news into a media circus: i.e., news as Entertainment.
That was over 30 years ago, and as folks say: That was then, this is now. These days it is difficult to tell the difference between news and entertainment. A few hours watching FOX news blurs the line between commentary and news, and Commentary is nothing more than vitriolic venom spewed onto the choir of self-same fear-mongering hate filled hoards.
In other words, I love "Network," because it helps to frame the weird world we live in and says something about the fools we have become. |
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| "Great acting + witty dialog." | 2009-09-12 |
| - Reviewed By santafesprings |
A bit dated only because its message has become more obvious, and recognized by more people - and yet, the media (especially the news) continues degeneration. Hence, it remains totally relevant today. The 2-disc edition is definitely preferred, and the feature-length commentary is excellent. Lumet's directing of the characters was incredible, making them fully credible. Some characters seem a bit over the top - Ned Beatty's Jensen in particular, but given some of the top CEO's antics I've seen over the past couple of years, even his motivational speech to Finch doesn't seem unlikely.
Definitely to be highly recommended |
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| "Can You Believe It Has Really Happened?" | 2009-08-21 |
| - Reviewed By kathymiller@nyc.rr.com |
With all these reviews of this great film I only have one comment: can you believe that it has really happened? Back when this film debuted objective journalism and TV news was still a real option. There were still broadcast journalists. The idea that news would become just a sideshow of entertainment, propaganda, and misrepresenting to garner ratings was considered satire. But it really happened. Just turn on MSNBC. Sunday Morning political news. Reality TV shows. Forget the evening news - it doesn't exist anymore. Barbara Walters? A shill on the View. Channel your inner Howard Beale - "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore!" Open your windows. Let me hear you in Queens!
PS - One of the greatest American films ever. I'm not sure if it's greater than "Citizen Kane" or "The Godfather" but it's pretty darn good. Worth owning. Worth seeing again. Now more than ever. |
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| "Wickedly fascinating" | 2009-07-26 |
| - Reviewed By User: A1X054KUYG5V |
The Bottom Line:
He may have won the Oscar and been the rallying cry of the film, but I actually think that Peter Finch's character is the least believable and least compelling aspect of Network; that said, his inconsistent character is the only drawback to this wicked satire of television that consistently strikes the right notes while never being anything less than compelling.
3.5/4 |
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| ""An Insight Into The Future Of Network TV"" | 2009-07-10 |
| - Reviewed By nicksam16 |
"Network" is a satirical look at a fourth broadcast network in the United States in 1976. Those behind the scenes of this fictional network, UBS, have one thing in common: to broadcast the most outrageous programs never seen before to garner high ratings. I am sure those behind "Network" had no idea how broadcast television in the 2000's would actually mirror their script, what with reality trash talk shows and the advent of FOX. "Network" is an amazing film and has gone on many Top 10 Lists as being one of the best films ever. In 2007 it was 64th on the list of Greatest American Films of all-time.
"Network" would win four Academy Awards including Best Actress for Faye Dunaway, Best Actor for Peter Finch who died before the awards were handed out, Best Supporting Actress for Beatrice Straight who only had a little over five minutes of screen time, and Best Screenplay written directly for the screen.
This beautiful two disc set has the film in wonderful widescreen format and has a ton of bonuses including the theatrical trailer, trivia and production notes, audio commentary by director Sidney Lumet, and an informative documentary on the making of the film. |
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Expedited Available
