Network 1976
"Television will never be the same."
Sidney Lumet's razor-sharp satire *Network (1976)* plunges into the cutthroat world of television news, where chaos and ratings reign supreme.
Director: Sidney Lumet
Cast
Faye Dunaway
Diana Christensen
William Holden
Max Schumacher
Peter Finch
Howard Beale
Robert Duvall
Frank Hackett
Ned Beatty
Arthur Jensen
Beatrice Straight
Louise Schumacher
Wesley Addy
Nelson Chaney
Arthur Burghardt
Great Ahmed Kahn
Bill Burrows
TV Director
John Carpenter
George Bosch
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Network (1976) about?
*Network* follows Howard Beale, a news anchor pushed into retirement, who threatens to kill himself on air. Instead of taking it seriously, the network exploits his breakdown for ratings, turning his meltdown into a sensation. The film dives into the dark side of television, where sensationalism trumps truth.
Who directed Network?
Sidney Lumet directed *Network*. Known for his socially conscious films like *12 Angry Men* and *Dog Day Afternoon*, Lumet crafted a biting satire that would feel eerily prescient decades later.
Who stars in Network?
The film features Faye Dunaway as a ruthless TV executive, William Holden as her lover and colleague, and Peter Finch in an Oscar-winning role as the unhinged anchorman Howard Beale.
Is Network (1976) worth watching?
*Network* is a must-see for fans of sharp satire and classic cinema, offering a scathing look at media manipulation that still resonates today. While not a crowd-pleaser, its performances—especially Finch's—elevate it to must-watch status. The film's themes make it a timeless critique of television culture.
How long is Network?
The runtime is 122 minutes, or just over two hours, making it a tight, engaging watch from start to finish.
🎥 Trailer
About Network (1976) — A Satirical Masterpiece of Media Manipulation
Sidney Lumet's razor-sharp satire *Network (1976)* plunges into the cutthroat world of television news, where chaos and ratings reign supreme. Faye Dunaway, William Holden, and Peter Finch deliver powerhouse performances as characters caught in a media storm fueled by greed and spectacle. When veteran anchor Howard Beale, a man on the brink, vows to end his life on live TV, the network sees dollar signs instead of tragedy, transforming his breakdown into prime-time entertainment. The film's frenetic energy mirrors the very industry it critiques, blending dark humor with biting social commentary.
Set against the neon glow of 1970s New York, *Network* explores the erosion of truth in the pursuit of profit, presaging the rise of reality TV and the 24-hour news cycle. With its razor-edged dialogue and unflinching gaze, Lumet's masterpiece remains a chilling reminder of how easily humanity can be commodified in the name of audience share.
