Network Review

Network is a movie that raises the question: If television isn't reality, then in what kind of reality do the people who create television exist? Originally released in 1976, Network blasts the falseness of television; corporate control of a TV network; and how television can succeed in destroying the lives of those involved with trying to produce high ratings.

The main plot of Network follows TV news anchorman Howard Beale (played by Peter Finch) who works for a fictional fourth-rated TV network called UBS (Universal Broadcasting System). Beale's ratings on the UBS nightly news hour have slipped and he is about to get fired. In an act of desperation, Beale announces in the middle of his news monologue that he will "blow his brains out" on his program next week -- so tune in! The UBS management team starts to damage control and begins to try and balance Beale's metal breakdown versus the soaring ratings.

Eventually, the novelty of Beale's show begins to wear off and the ratings start to fall. Rather than being the top rated show, Beale begins to slip and actions are taken. As the ratings fall, so do the lives and fortunes of those involved with creating the program. In the end, television destroys them all.

Paddy Chayefsky's brilliant screenplay coupled with Lumet's solid direction and excellent performances by the cast make Network a simply outstanding movie. Though Network had many moments of humor, it is a serious movie that makes a profound statement about the nature of TV broadcasting. Television is about ratings and advertising revenue. The audience is considered so far as the answer to the question: How many people are watching? The quality of the programs, the accuracy of the programs, and the integrity of the programs are never considered. Do people watch? Special considerations such as originality, creativity, compassion, and fairness are not aspects of TV programming. Do people watch?

When Howard Beale's show was a hit, everything was going well for the characters. However, when the ratings dipped, the producers and management of the network have to take drastic measures to "stop the free fall" and secure advertising revenue. To management, Beale is not a human, he is an asset, he is fiction. Money and corporate interests rule the TV show content. Money and corporate controls rule the network.

Regards,
Waqas Waheed