Network (1976)

[Plain Old Tele]

I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not gonna take it anymore!

Edited November 11, 2013 by Telemachos

[DAR]

A film that pretty much predicted the rise of the cable news outlets, it's actually rather scary how spot on it was. The script is razor sharp, the performance don't strike one false note. It's as good as films get and I love Rocky but this should have been your best picture winner of 1976. A+

[luna]

for the most part, a very intelligent film about how radical thoughts are inevitably produced and packaged for mass consumption. however, it doesn't seem as though the film was aware that presenting max and his nostalgic anti-TV speeches as the sane middle option between crazy hysteria and decadent consumerism is extremely ironic, especially when delivered through an egregious and entirely unnecessary hollywood romance. despite this, the film was enjoyable and intelligent *most* of the time.

 

B (70)

[redfirebird2008]

Brilliant movie. Very prophetic on how the media has operated in recent years.

[Plain Old Tele]

 when delivered through an egregious and entirely unnecessary hollywood romance.

 

B (70)

 

I don't think the "romance" was egregious or unnecessary. It showed how Max was desperately trying to cling to the past (and regain his youth, to some degree), while showing how the present day (future) was not only passing him by, but ruthlessly cutting him out of the equation.

[Jack Nevada]

Damn, what a great movie.

Edited April 1, 2014 by Jack Nevada

[tawasal]

I finally found something very close to 12 angry men, but not yet there.

[darkelf]

Yelling: The Movie

 

8/10

[Blankments]

Network is an astounding piece of cinema. The script is spectacular, having so much memorable dialogue that consistently has momentum despite the notable disadvantage of being stuffed with monologues. Although Finch is by far the highlight, the entire cast is full of phenomenal performances that, although they're elevated, never feel over-the-top or fake. Well, except for Duvall, but even he is an entertaining presence. Lumet's direction makes the film feel shorter than its runtime although still like a modern epic. It's also frequently hilarious and full of really sensationally fascinating satirical points. Network is a consistently engaging and wildly entertaining satire that features the best that Hollywood has to offer. Masterpiece. A+