The longtime news anchor (Peter Finch) of a struggling TV network is fired because of poor ratings. But after he has a disturbing breakdown on air and starts speaking his mind, his ratings pick up. An ambitious executive (Faye Dunaway) picks it up and runs with it, turning the show into a hit. Written by Paddy Chayefsky (MARTY) and directed by Sidney Lumet (THE VERDICT). I'm not the biggest fan of Chayefsky's writing, his writing style is often too obvious and he has a tendency to hit you over the head. Neither am I a fan of Lumet's directing style. But I have to admit they both hit the nail on the head with this dark satire on the (then) TV industry. One of the most prescient movies ever made, it still holds up today. When Ned Beatty's billionaire says, "There is no democracy. There is no America", I got chills! If the film were remade today, it wouldn't be about the TV industry but the internet with stand ins for men like Musk and Zuckerberg. The acting is excellent right down the line with Dunaway's calculating TV executive standing out. She's a fascinating monster but while repulsed, you can't help liking her. She has such glee in her wickedness. She even talks TV ratings before, during and after sex! With William Holden, Robert Duvall, Beatrice Straight (one great speech that won her an Oscar), Wesley Addy, William Prince, Darryl Hickman, Conchata Ferrell and Marlene Warfield.
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