Network is a film that Sidney Lumet produced in 1976. Specifically, the film addresses some of the challenges affecting the media industry as well as economic structures relating to new broadcasting in America (Network). The film illustrates the fact that powerful networks are jostling for a share of the broadcasting space as well as the related revenues. Additionally, the film portrays the intrigues that unfold in a field where ratings take the center stage. An impressive element of the film is the dialogues between the different characters. Furthermore, Network depicts impressive vocabularies covering intense subject matters such as religious illusion, media influence on life, and balancing global business. The film had ten nominations for the Oscar awards but won only four of them (Network). This paper provides a reflection of various elements of the film, Network.
Network is captivating because illustrates the challenges confronting, Howard Beale, a protagonist working as a news anchor with the Union Broadcasting System (UBS). He faces the possibility of termination because of his aging, and his segment has lost significant ratings. After realizing that the company intended to terminate him, Beale reads his script during his routine news broadcast, proclaiming to commit suicide on national television. Beale yells, “I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take it anymore’’ (Network). The raving makes him an instant Icon. Furthermore, the diversion increases the network’s ratings, and the management resolves retain Beale. Network is an important film because it serves as a precedent for predicting the future of televising.
The film is remarkably produced, as each scene has its purpose. William Holden, who heads the news department, is convinced that the organization can use Beale’s situation to increase tire ratings, an element that contributes to the captivating nature of the film (Networks). Faye Dunaway acts as the programming VP, who is of the opinion that retaining Beale will be beneficial to the company’s future success. Ideally, the network’s management is not concerned with Beale or the quality of news. Instead, they are widely focused on increase sing viewership and ratings (Network). Christensen finds a one-sided love in Schumacher. Schumacher abandons his wife for Christensen, who appears as a heartless TV producer who is always looking for the best stories. The rating quest proceeds with various right groups demanding to go on air. Lastly, Schumacher abandons Christensen because of her heartless nature. Schumacher and Christensen present the theme of love and marriage in the society (Network).
Subjective reporting is the main theme in Network. Subjective reporting entails empowering people and making them passionate about various issues. Moreover, it has an ability to promote bias and misrepresentation, thereby defeating the importance of quality news reporting (Network). Howard Beale enhances subjective reporting through a public display of addressing the audiences while on air. As a result, he articulates controversial issues such as economic depression representing a public range. Beale acts as the voice of the society by speaking his mind and confronting day-to-day societal issues (Network).
Moreover, the film’s central theme is destroying informational news and introducing reality TV. It is common for organizations to destroy people’s lives and to forsake morals to further their business objectives. Such practices underline the depreciating values of television networks, which focus on their ratings as the expense of employees as well as other stakeholders (Network).
In sum, Network highlights the various elements and practices that are common in the in the media industry. For instance, Howard Beale, spoke his mind, without censoring his emotions and content. In contemporary societies, networks that televise explicit content to the public must include relevant parental guidelines. Such guidelines ensure that the audience is appropriately warned and enhances age-appropriateness regarding TV programs.
Works Cited
Networks. Dir. Sidney Lumet. Twentieth Century Fox, 1976. Film.
