Network shows how there is close to no difference between art and reality. Its always about ratings no matter the cost. Today we are shown so much garbage because of ratings. Sadly bad news or incidents sell which is why I've seen networks repeatedly show things over and over again. Network is ahead of its time in showing all of this. Funny enough the ravings of Howard Beale who many consider crazy turn out to be truths, he's the most honest character in the film. The end of this film shows that nothing is above prime ratings, even murder. It was almost normalised. Great performances from a strong cast. The content and messaging is top notch. The only thing is the artistic flair with which the film is made. Despite Sidney Lumet being a great director if you had Marty Scorsese at the helm he would have taken it to even greater heights.
