Whether you classify this classic as a dark satire or if you look at it from a controversial dramatic point of view, one thing is certain, Network is nothing short of brilliant as it works on all levels of filmmaking, from Sidney Lumet’s direction to Paddy Chayefsky witty script to the acting by Dunaway, Finch, Holden and Duval. Here is my take on Network:

The Players:

Peter Finch - Howard Beale
Faye Dunaway - Diana Christensen
William Holden - Max Schumacher
Robert Duvall - Frank Hackett
Ned Beatty - Arthur Jensen

The Play:

The UBS Network is going through some rough times, similar to today’s UPN network it always struggles to come up with quality programming that stack up against the giants CBS, NBC and ABC. The only way this could be done apparently is through controversy, violence and sex, three characteristics that defy much of today’s TV shows. In the spotlight is veteran newsanchor Howard Beale, aging and having lost his edge, the network decided to let him go due to plummeting ratings, however in his last stint on the air he claims he will shoot himself in the head for his last show.

Shocked and revolted, the network executives quickly decide to dispose of him immediately, however they notice the little outburst has lifted ratings way up, so they decide to let him rant and rave through his newscasts and keep a job as long as it holds up ratings. In a televised outburst he preaches to all his viewers to look out of their windows and yell the classic line “I’m mad as hell, and I’m not gonna take it anymore” resulting in an entire world following his request, Beale becomes an icon of the airwaves for his “truth” spoken.

Meanwhile, Programming Director Christensen is scrambling to get a hit show to air on UBS, she decided to create a show based on a terrorist group that robs banks and tapes the robberies, a controversial program that will boost the ratings for sure. She is then interested in creating a Jerry Springer like news show starring Howard Beale who is deemed the “Mad Prophet of the airwaves” in which he speaks his mind no matter how vulgar his language or how sensitive the subject matter, people take to the show famously.

While this is happening, Christensen has an affair with the news director Schumacher, around 30 years her elder and married, their torrid affair breaks up his family and their romance is scarred by her dedication or should I say obsession with work.

Beale, with his new found freedom, goes overboard with one show when he mentions that the parent company who own UBS, named CCA is dealing with Arab money and they are the ones who are funding it, a comment that in essence cost the company $2 Billion. Because of that, the head honchos at CCA and UBS, namely Frank Hackett decide they have to take extreme measures to solve their dilemma.

The Good:

Much credit needs to be given to the originality and engrossing contest in Chayefsky’s script. The is very interesting interaction and dialogue written for every single scene, even those who seemed unnecessary to the film, but each was unique and entertaining. The message sent here is people are not important in the grand scheme of things, only power and money and the drive to be the best is the motivating force behind the TV executives. Beale makes that point and relates to the other human beings who are victimized by such power, that eventually leads to his demise.

Lumet’s Direction is stellar, he knows exactly how to get the most out of his actors and it shows (3 academy awards for the actors) and the way the film is shot and words are spoken add to the intrigue of the storyline.

The acting by the entire cast is stellar and particularly Dunaway’s and Finch’s performances are two of the best I’ve ever seen. Dunaway takes her intensity from Mommy Dearest and just explodes onto the screen with confidence and power that can’t be matched by many actresses of her generation. She has an omnipotent presence and lack of compassion and emotional attachment to Holden’s character makes her that much more great to watch.

Finch gives a career performance as Howard Beale who loses his sanity and thus becomes more popular than ever. His role was well written for him but he was perfectly chosen to play the character, a loud, controversial and revolutionary, he has power and the ability to draw attention to his viewers, he is really great.

Holden gives one of the more reserved and sane performances in the movie. His greatness is shown in the scenes with Dunaway’s character whom he is in love with but knows the affair will fail due to her commitment to work. Great dialogue written for him as well and he delivers a solid and heartfelt performance.

In supporting roles, Duval and Beatty are strong and effective as moguls of the CCA conglomerate, loud, powerful and stating good facts about television and the hunger for power and success.

Very effective cinematography, although the movie takes place mostly indoors in a TV studio, The use of light and shadows and the angles of the shots during well scripted dialogue scenes certainly convey the power behind the messages, note especially Ned Beatty’s scene where he preaches about the power of money to Finch.

The Bad:

There are several scenes where the situations were over acted, primarily Dunaway who is so powerful she tends to go overboard at times and just annoy the viewer, also the black lady who leads the Terrorist organization, though good also tends to yell her lines in an overdramatic way that takes away from her message.

The romantic interludes between Dunaway and Holden did not need to be in the movie, it took away from the intensity a bit, though as the relationship progressed we see some great dialogue between the two, I just didn’t feel the deviation from the main story was needed in this type of film.

This film is very controversial, very ahead of its time with its message and themes. Beale seems like the precursor to shock jocks and smut Tv talk show hosts, back in the day it would have been disastrous to show some of the things portrayed in the movie, terrorism on TV, cursing on the air and violent behavior, all for the sake of human interest and good ratings. We must remember this is a satire about TV execs and the subject matter should be perceived lightly, it is sometimes hard to do so due to the believability of the script and the great acting by the performers.

Another apparent exclusion is music or soundtrack, I don't believe they have any songs or any score in the whole film, a bit of a rarity.

Overall Grade:

4.5 of 5



Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good for Groups
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age