Frenetic hysteria seems to be the order of the day in Network, preferably delivered at as high a decibel level as possible. Subtly is not the multiple Oscar-winning film’s strong point.
The ruthless battle for network ratings is its topic – and specifically the prestigious news broadcast. Recently widowed and finding solace in the bottom of a whisky bottle, long-term anchorman Peter Finch is fired with two-weeks notice as audience percentage shares plummet. His response is to announce he will kill himself live on the air. Programme directors and CEOs go into overdrive to maximise the impact of the announcement – with ambitious Faye Dunaway leading the way. As Finch loses sense of reality, so his exploitation loses all sense of decency – much to the dismay of his friend and immediate boss, William Holden.
Each scene builds to a (yelled) crescendo as director Sidney Lumet labours his ascerbic point – with only Holden not guilty of overacting the part. It’s a crazed, misguided energy that channels this particular narrative.
Nominated for 10 Oscars in 1977 including best film, director, best actor (William Holden), won 4 – best actor (Peter Finch), actress (Faye Dunaway), supporting actress (Beatrice Straight), original screenplay.
Rating: 54%
Director: Sidney Lumet (12 Angry Men, Serpico)
Writer: Paddy Chayefsky (Marty, Altered States)
Main cast: Peter Finch (Sunday Bloody Sunday, The Pumpkin Eater), Faye Dunaway (Bonnie & Clyde, Chinatown), William Holden (Stalag 17, Sunset Boulevard)
An Opinion or Two 