365 Day Unseen Movie Marathon – Day 59 – NETWORK (1976)

Title: Network

Directed by: Sidney Lumet

Written by: Paddy Chayefsky

Current Flickchart position:  #319 of 1373 overall.  My #2 film, of 5, from the year 1976.

What It’s About:
A TV network cynically exploits a deranged ex-TV anchor’s ravings and revelations about the media for their own profit.

General Comments:
It’s just about perfect up until the second to last scene where the film abruptly changes from a drama to an absurdist comedy when the TV execs decide to murder Howard on live TV.  I don’t get that writing decision at all.  Other than that shocking development the film is pretty much flawless, with Faye Dunaway and William Holden giving great performances.  Robert Duvall too.

Watch Network because it’s oddly prescient with regards to the development of TV journalism, especially with our 24 hour news cycle.

Rating:  7.5/10 (I would of given the film 9/10 but that second to last scene was simply terrible storytelling)