All I know is that this violates every canon of respectable broadcasting.

Network

(1976)

Sidney Lumet hopped genres quite regularly, but I'm not sure satire plays to his strengths. Anything that's on the broad side here feels somewhat clumsy (the subplot concerning The Chairman Mao Hour is a particular offender).

And, whilst Finch is decent in his Oscar-winning turn, William Holden and Robert Duvall are the ones who really impress (the scene in which Duvall realises Finch is killing a deal for his corporation through rousing the ire of his audience is a stand-out).

The ending too, whilst effective in terms of cold, calculating shock value is too obvious in its "statement", which is a shame because much of the film has a solid, "this is way it works" edge. I wouldn't say it’s become more prescient with the passing of time, but the targets are all still relevant.

****

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