Mad City 1997
"One man will make a mistake. The other will make it a spectacle."
In *Mad City (1997)*, Costa-Gavras crafts a tense thriller that dives into the chaotic intersection of media sensationalism and desperate desperation.
Director: Costa-Gavras
Cast
John Travolta
Sam Baily
Dustin Hoffman
Max Brackett
Mia Kirshner
Laurie Callahan
Alan Alda
Kevin Hollander
Robert Prosky
Lou Potts
Blythe Danner
Mrs. Banks
William Atherton
Dohlen
Ted Levine
Lemke
Milton Davis Jr.
The Kids
Bill Nunn
Cliff Williams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mad City (1997) about?
*Mad City* follows Sam Baily, a museum guard who loses his job and turns to drastic measures to reclaim it by taking a hostage. As the situation escalates, it draws in Casey Mayo, an ambitious reporter who sees the unfolding drama as a chance to boost his career. What begins as a personal crisis quickly becomes a media frenzy, exposing the dark side of sensationalism.
Who directed Mad City?
Costa-Gavras, the acclaimed director behind politically charged films like *Z* and *Missing*, helmed *Mad City*.
Who stars in Mad City?
The film features John Travolta as Sam Baily, Dustin Hoffman as Casey Mayo, Mia Kirshner, Alan Alda, and Robert Prosky among its standout cast.
Is Mad City (1997) worth watching?
*Mad City* is a compelling thriller with strong performances from Travolta and Hoffman, though it leans more into drama than pure suspense. Fans of 90s political thrillers or media critiques will find it engaging, even if it's not as widely remembered as some of its contemporaries.
How long is Mad City?
The runtime of *Mad City* is 114 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Mad City (1997) — A Gripping Thriller About Media Sensationalism and Desperation
In *Mad City (1997)*, Costa-Gavras crafts a tense thriller that dives into the chaotic intersection of media sensationalism and desperate desperation. The film follows Sam Baily (John Travolta), a museum guard who, after losing his job, takes a hostage to reclaim his position—only to find himself thrust into the glare of a news cycle that thrives on spectacle over truth. Joining him is Casey Mayo (Dustin Hoffman), a reporter eager to exploit the unfolding drama for ratings, creating a high-stakes game where lines between justice and exploitation blur. Set against the backdrop of a ratings-obsessed television era, the story explores themes of power, manipulation, and the ethical dilemmas of modern journalism. With its gripping atmosphere and sharp social commentary, *Mad City* remains a compelling critique of how the media shapes reality.
At its core, the film examines the fragile balance between personal desperation and public consumption, all while delivering a gripping narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Travolta and Hoffman's dynamic performances elevate the tension, making *Mad City* a standout thriller that resonates as much today as it did upon release.
