Network (1976) is Sidney Lumet’s brilliant and pitch-black critique of the sensationalist landscape of television journalism, where entertainment value and short-term ratings trump quality and integrity.
In this ruthless satire of the television industry, Network follows the story of Howard Beale (Peter Finch), a seasoned news anchor who suffers a breakdown live on air after learning he will be fired due to low ratings. His on-air outburst, in which he famously declares he is “mad as hell and not going to take it anymore,” unexpectedly turns him into a national sensation. Ruthless television executives, led by the ambitious Diana Christensen (Faye Dunaway), seize the opportunity to exploit Beale’s sudden fame, transforming his news program into a spectacle of sensationalism.
Network is a darkly comedic yet deeply unsettling exploration of the media’s role in shaping society. Each character embodies the moral decay of a system driven solely by profit—a theme that resonates even more powerfully today than it did when the film was first released.
The Humanist Cinema of Sidney Lumet
Corruption, racism, moral decline – these were the themes that American director Sidney Lumet explored in his films. Lumet created entertainment in the first place, but never just entertainment. Lumet’s films are thought provoking examinations of modern society. The combination of amusement and social engagement was already evident in Lumet’s feature film debut, 12 Angry Men (1958), an iconic courtroom drama in which a white jury deliberates on the verdict of a Puerto Rican defendant. With classic films like Dog Day Afternoon (1975) and Network (1976), Lumet delivered sharp critiques of the media that have only grown more relevant over time. See these and other films this winter in De Balie!
7 films by Lumet between Dec 27 and January
From 12 Angry Men to Dog Day Afternoon and Network: revisit the greatest films by American master Sidney Lumet in De Balie. Corruption, racism, moral decline – these were the themes that American director Sidney Lumet explored in his films. Lumet created entertainment in the first place, but never just entertainment. Lumet’s films are thought
The Humanist Cinema of Sidney Lumet
This powerful documentary chronicles the life and impact of Martin Luther King Jr.
The Humanist Cinema of Sidney Lumet
In his feature film debut Sidney Lumet delivers a gripping courtroom drama and a powerful exploration of justice, moral responsibility, and the dynamics of group decision-making.
