Network Movie Information

Movie Information

Overall Rank: 247

Average Rating: 3.2/4

# of Ratings: 233

Theatrical Release Date: 11/27/1976

Language: English

Genre: Drama

MPAA Rating: R

Director: Sidney Lumet

Actors: William Holden, Faye Dunaway, Ned Beatty, Robert Duvall, Peter Finch, Wesley Addy

Plot: A soon to be retired news anchor is exploited by the Network he has worked for, for so long as he spouts off at the media.

Quick Movie Reviews

Rating of
4/4

Logan D. McCoy - wrote on 06/24/2019

This evocative network news farce has became infamously iconic thanks mostly to Peter Finch's volatile monologues.

Rating of
3/4

Unknown - wrote on 02/12/2014

The theme of entertainment through degradation is strong here. Cynical television execs exploiting people for their own selfish needs. It's all quite clear and precise throughout. The middle stretch of the film lacked in dramatic interest, for me personally. I didn't care for these main characters or their personal situations. Peter Finch plays the best part, but he is sort-of sidelined during a decent portion. Luckily, the film is bookended by a terrific beginning and ending. Both are razor sharp and leave a lasting sting. Only wishing the entire film carried that bite.

Rating of
4/4

worleyjamers - wrote on 06/29/2013

An essential film. One of the all-time greats.

Full Movie Reviews

SteelCity99
SteelCity99
Director

Rating of
4/4

Network

SteelCity99 - wrote on 04/22/2018

What an outstanding social liberalist commentary for the masses!

Network deals with Howard Beale, an old and soon-to-be fired from a powerful television company because of his age: The United Television Network. Since he can't fully accept the idea that he will be dismissed from his 25 year work, he announces he'll commit suicide, ending up becoming a controversial and liberalist social influence for the masses that incredibly raises the TV ratings for the company. Soon, he's used for the mere purpose of gaining a bigger audience and even is able to have his own program. The tone in his messages and comments turns so pessimistic that everything goes down, thanks to the blindness caused by the power, greed and ambition of the same company.

The script is absolutely awesome, the …

Yojimbo
Yojimbo
Movie God

Rating of
3/4

"Network" by Yojimbo

Yojimbo - wrote on 01/30/2012

When a veteran news anchorman has a mental breakdown on screen and becomes an overnight sensation, the network's amoral executives set about exploiting him for much needed ratings. This social satire on the state of the media and its unhealthy influence on the general population is regarded as one of the greatest screenplays ever produced and it is still amazingly sharp and insightful even within the context of today. It's technically flawless with superb performances from William Holden, Faye Dunaway, Robert Duvall and Peter Finch, delivering some of the sharpest dialogue ever committed to celluloid. It's strange how relevant it all seems as the same kind of inter-generational technophobic paranoia about the state of mankind that was aimed at television at the time when this film was …

Daniel Corleone
Daniel Corleone
Movie God

Rating of
3.5/4

Network review

Daniel Corleone - wrote on 10/11/2011

Howard Beale’s (Peter Finch) time will be limited due to poor ratings. He receives this status from his friend News Division President Max Schumacher (William Holden). Howard starts rambling about “the truth about life, that it is B.S.” and exclaims to the viewers to emulate him by going out the window and scream "I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!" Diana Christensen (Faye Dunaway) develops and makes major changes to the program to make it The Howard Beale Show. Max and Diane have an affair, but become cold in the end. Frank Hackett (Robert Duvall) takes over after the President of the Network dies and makes insensitive changes to gain ratings. Arthur Jensen (Ned Beatty) informs Beale about the world of business and its effects. Some of the few …

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