Network

I must have been pretty young when I saw Network for the first time, but I remember it having quite an impact on me. I particularly remember Peter Finch’s powerful performance as the TV anchorman slipping deeper and deeper into madness. I was particularly impressed that he was awarded a posthumous Oscar. Watching this again I find the premise of having someone assassinated just to get them off TV as a bit of a stretch. I find it hard to believe that the network would not be tied to the killing, particularly as they have signed an agreement with the terrorist group that carries it out. Still, this does not detract from my enjoyment of the movie. It’s a cracker. What a great performance from Faye Dunaway as the insanely competitive executive. Sadly most of us probably know someone like this. I particularly like the scene between Finch and the chairman of the media corporation in the boardroom (or “Valhalla” as the chairman calls it).