This is one of the most cynical films of all time, with a very dark and sometimes humorous look at the banality of television and the stupidity of the public. At the same time, since it's so cynical and dark, it features some exceptionally adult dialog that even today should exclude kids from watching it. Now I do understand why such rough language was used (after all, this is a harsh "wrinkles and all" look at television), but it's a shame really as the film COULD be an excellent civics lesson to our kids--especially teens. Watching the contempt that network programmers have for intelligence and decency is an important lesson and makes this an exceptional film.
Just how far a network will go for ratings is the major thrust of the film? The evening news anchorman of UBS News (a great acronym) is losing his mind. However, when he actually has a nervous breakdown and announces he's going to kill himself on the air, even the soul-less people at the network are even initially upset--that is until the ratings come in for this an the following broadcast when the same announcer uses tons of profanity. Then, instead of disavowing themselves from it, they bathe in the horrible spectacle of a person losing his hold on reality! And, in turn, this sort of crap programming results in even more controversial and pointless shows--such as one that glorifies terrorists and encourages these killers to film their exploits so they can be shown on TV! The sickest and funniest aspect of this was the business meeting the network bigwigs had with the terrorists when it was becoming obvious that these Communist Radicals were actually becoming astute Capitalists and were concerned with profits and residuals!!
There's a lot more to the film than this. In particular, there is a relationship between William Holden and Faye Dunaway that is actually intended as a representation of the shallowness of the media. In other words, Holden is seduced by Miss Dunaway--just like the public is often seduced by glitz without substance or depth. This parallel story is exceptional and Dunaway received an Oscar for her wonderful part. Oddly, while Holden was also exceptional in the film, the Oscar for Best Actor was given to Peter Finch (the insane anchor man) even though he is really more of a supporting character. Both he and Holden were up for the award. Beatrice Straight received the Best Supporting Actress for her very brief appearance in the film. While she WAS excellent, she was only on screen a tiny fraction of the film. So, choosing her and Finch as Oscar recipients both seem like odd choices in hindsight. Paddy Cheyevsky, not surprisingly, also garnered an Oscar for his insightful script.
All in all, while not one of the very greatest films I have seen, it certainly is a must-see for film fans and a wonderful example of cynicism and dark humor.
Just how far a network will go for ratings is the major thrust of the film? The evening news anchorman of UBS News (a great acronym) is losing his mind. However, when he actually has a nervous breakdown and announces he's going to kill himself on the air, even the soul-less people at the network are even initially upset--that is until the ratings come in for this an the following broadcast when the same announcer uses tons of profanity. Then, instead of disavowing themselves from it, they bathe in the horrible spectacle of a person losing his hold on reality! And, in turn, this sort of crap programming results in even more controversial and pointless shows--such as one that glorifies terrorists and encourages these killers to film their exploits so they can be shown on TV! The sickest and funniest aspect of this was the business meeting the network bigwigs had with the terrorists when it was becoming obvious that these Communist Radicals were actually becoming astute Capitalists and were concerned with profits and residuals!!
There's a lot more to the film than this. In particular, there is a relationship between William Holden and Faye Dunaway that is actually intended as a representation of the shallowness of the media. In other words, Holden is seduced by Miss Dunaway--just like the public is often seduced by glitz without substance or depth. This parallel story is exceptional and Dunaway received an Oscar for her wonderful part. Oddly, while Holden was also exceptional in the film, the Oscar for Best Actor was given to Peter Finch (the insane anchor man) even though he is really more of a supporting character. Both he and Holden were up for the award. Beatrice Straight received the Best Supporting Actress for her very brief appearance in the film. While she WAS excellent, she was only on screen a tiny fraction of the film. So, choosing her and Finch as Oscar recipients both seem like odd choices in hindsight. Paddy Cheyevsky, not surprisingly, also garnered an Oscar for his insightful script.
All in all, while not one of the very greatest films I have seen, it certainly is a must-see for film fans and a wonderful example of cynicism and dark humor.