Summary - Very Good 3.5

“I’m mad as hell and I’m not gonna take it anymore”

A frustrated and aging news anchor explodes into an emotional breakdown on the air, only to find the network he works for salivating over the ratings spike. In fact, they begin to exploit his bizzare behaviour by bringin him back on, again and again.

The notion of a viewing public mezmorized by a real voice crying for help, has been the foundation of reality TV for the past decade. Yet, this movie from 1976 portrays a struggling network who is so focused on generating greater viewership, they are willing to air a lunatic’s ramblings. A stunning social commentary in film that also exemplified the “fight the system” attitude of a struggling nation, still reeling from Watergate, Viet Nam, and racial tensions.

Acting - Great 4.0

The actor playing the anchorman was great, managing to convey a true feelings of hopelessness, meshed with anger, resentment, and rebellion. His rantings are wonderfully acidic.

The others do ok, especially the female tv executive who is constantly refering to things in her life in tv terms and ratings.

Film - Good 3.0

A wonderful job of creative lighting heightens the psychotic effects of the ramblings. These scenes compensate for typical 1970 type of sets, clothing, and dialogue.

Edge - Risqué 2.4

Sa.lty language in some of the scenes

Reality - Natural 1.0

2 Comments

• BigdaddyDave Feb 17, 2011 6:26PM

  Thanks! I have my moments.

• Wick Feb 16, 2011 9:37PM

  Regarding BigdaddyDave’s Review
  “The notion of a viewing public mesmerized by a real voice crying for help has been the foundation of reality TV for the past decade. Yet this movie from 1976 portrays a struggling network so focused on generating greater viewership, they are willing to air a lunatic’s ramblings.”

  Excellent commentary.

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