Network
1976
****
Director: Sidney Lumet
Cast: Faye Dunaway, William Holden, Peter Finch, Robert Duvall, Wesley Addy, Ned Beatty, Beatrice Straight, William Prince, Jordan Charney, Conchata Ferrell
A veteran news anchor for a struggling TV network suffers a breakdown on live TV. His outburst becomes a ratings hit, which prompts the network executives to transform him into a doomsday prophet. Sidney Lumet's funny and poignant satire looks at media sensationalism, corporate greed, and the lack of ethics. Paddy Chayefsky's Academy Award winning script is sharp, but the film features some of the shoutiest performances I can remember. Nevertheless, Peter Finch, Faye Dunaway, and Beatrice Straight all won Oscars for their work.
