Network (1976)

Virtual reality and corporate cosmology

I saw "Network" when it was released in 1977. I'd just graduated from college and was still pretty wet behind the ears. Now, with thirty years' worth of experience in the world, I've watched the film again, and am stunned by how prescient it is. Screenplay author Paddy Chayefsky nailed it on both counts when he suggested that the world of television addicts us to artifice, and that money, not nationhood, is the new basic international unit. Incredible that he could've predicted all this a full generation ago.

As a culture brought up on television and films, we're more comfortable with virtual reality than with reality. We want TV shows with formulaic plots (parodied in "Network" by a hilarious meeting of producers in which every pitch for a new show has a similar "crusty but benign" character). We want titillation, outrageousness, and splendor more than truth (think about today's talk shows). And even when given a dose of reality on the screen (today's misnamed "reality shows" come immediately to mind), we want it directed, choreographed, and offered in a convenient timeslot. This is precisely the kind of entertainment that poor Howard Beale (brilliantly played by Peter Finch) offers, and that the network predators want to cash in on. Bread and circuses: that's what the people want, that's what the network gives 'em.

Corporate chief Arthur Jensen's (played equally brilliantly by Ned Beatty) "corporate cosmology" soliloquy toward the end of the movie perfectly captures the dark side of globalization, the film's second major theme. "The world is a business!" thunders Jensen. The only important international players are the huge multinationals, not national governments. The entire social structure of the planet has shifted, propelling us into an entirely new world. And the media, increasingly bought up by the multinationals, become more homogeneous in their programming, news becomes infomercial, and corporate cosmology becomes a reality.

It's as if Chayefsky wrote "Network" while gazing at a crystal ball.

The film's not perfect. Chayefsky crams too much into the plot and so their are some loose ends (the death of Edward George Ruddy, for example, seems comes across as rather contrived), and Faye Dunaway tends to overact (although she won an Academy Award for her performance). But all in all, "Network" truly is one of the greatest American films ever made. May 29, 2008

An entertaining depiction of mass media's public influence

This film is a wonderful combination of ideas on what the mass media system is doing to our perceptions of the world and how humanity is in constant struggle with the ways success has taken the place of real human emotions. It also presents the argument that corporate globalization is an inevitable process that will be to the ultimate benefit of mankind. A very interesting spin on so many of the most popular conspiracy theories. This film provokes serious thought on many controversial topics the people of the world are currently facing. Awesome film! May 9, 2008

Excelente pelicula...

es la vida misma.... todos sus discursos, paracen validarse en nuestro dia a dia....Visionaria.... es hora de que las personas creemos mas conciencia en donde vivimos y para lo que trabajamos.... May 4, 2008

News Accountable to Network, Sold to the Highest Bidder According to Ratings

A refreshingly cynical film about the fallout occuring from transitioning the business of journalism to a commoditized commercial interest. A peak experience movie that captures the business of marketing anger, as enabled by the ambitious personalities beholden to nothing but competitive advantage.

The conflict is a struggle of principles for prominence, one that serves the sense of an individual free will against the "forces of nature" argued as capitalism. The prophet for the humanistic cause makes his choices and the captivated public echoes him enthusiastically whatever his position happens to be. Why? The business of amusement doesn't serve any great human design, only the ceremonious murder of boredom.

There is also a love story, that serves as an excellent compatibility experiment between the old and new. William Holden, our objective old school news executive is loyal to the news and the traditional values, and we see his transformation upon realizations of whether falling for the seductive charms of a mercenary agent of entertainment are really worth the conversion. And what is to be said of this new mercenary, how would she fare having to face the responsibility for genuine human experience? Who, needed whom?

I think my favorite part had to be the legal terms and conditions negotiations between the ecumenical liberation army and the network attorneys over the Mao Tse Tung Hour.

I am amazed at the extent to which the makers of this film demonstrated lucid self awareness with vivid and meaningful representations of the competing ideologies at work. I wonder to what extent the hippy celebrations for the dawning of the age of aquarious mantras had something to do with this film's themes, given its timing and central arguments against the hypocrisy inherent in the new order of things. Many have wondered if the hippy generations really added anything to the American Experience. Perhaps this film could be argued in favor of the cause to expand American awareness through creative license.

I think my review is only about 32 years overdue, however, I just discovered this film a couple of months ago, and to be honest, I was very young when it came out, more captivated by Sesame Street at that point in time.

Altogether a fascinating and intriguing story with brillint dialog, direction, performances and an outstanding story in general. I wonder how the people of Fox News would comment on this film given their current criticims. March 15, 2008

One of a kind movie for the patient viewer

Intense viewing experience. This movie certainly is not for everyone. If you are looking for a very intelligent and rewarding viewing experience, this is a movie for you. With a warning - it is a slow moving vehicle, with some fantastic scenes no doubt, but not the kind of action people are used to these days.

This film takes a little (or a lot depending the person) patience as a viewer. Beyond the pacing, I couldn't believe how on-point this movie was. Not simply about television and media, but about life. Wow, what a message this movie delivers to those who are listening. And this was 1976 to boot!

There are a few monologues from Howard that are fabulous and packed with emotion and words that may shake you, if only slightly. There Is a particular scene, when Howard is in the office talking to Max and Max tells him they are taking him off the air. Listen carefully to Howard's monologue about energy and purpose and oneness of life. Wow.

Peter Finch is fantastic, but all main players do excellent. He won the Oscar for best actor and it was certainly deserved. This move is worth seeing for his performance alone.

This movie should definitely find an audience in today's new age spiritual movement and those questioning the veils of society. It gets five stars from me. Highly recommended for the patient viewer.
March 5, 2008

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