Network ... A Great Movie in 1976, a Great Movie Today

Howard Beale said it best.... 

Isn't it remarkable? Network was released in 1976 and it still rings true in many ways. It is a movie forgotten by many despite making arguments about the media that still register within our minds and imaginations. 

The film follows a news anchor and his spiral towards self destruction, as his best friend tries to remove the spot light forced upon him, network executives try to provide him an audience and reap the benefits. It is satire to a degree but comes off as precise social criticism. It is hard to denounce the film as far-fetched or exaggerated when much of seems as real as the dirt underneath our fingers nails. 

I remember being a young teenage boy about 10 years ago and discovering this film for the first time. Angry about everything with no rhyme or reason, I was like many teenagers who felt alienated, confused about a world beyond my reach... Network did not provide any answers but it gave me questions. Network still doesn't provide any answers but many of the questions I asked 10 years ago still fester in my mind. Will I find a good job? Can I find truth on the television or believe what I've read in newspaper? Are politicians working to benefit the community rather than themselves? Well, to be honest. I didn't worry about those things at the age of 16 but I do worry about them now. At 16, I identified with the anger and at 26, I identify with the simple truth that life is hard and the answers aren't always easy to find or easy to handle. At 26, I don't see it as anger but as frustration. Like the world in 1976, there is plenty to be frustrated about in 2009. Maybe the frustration is maddening because it never seems to go away? This life or any life is never made easy. 

I love this film and I would recommend watching it. Please, rent or purchase. You will never see me promote illegal downloads. If you love art, music or film, support it and don't steal it.