kyaasi

NETWORK was the best film of 1976 regardless of what the Academy Awards chose (ROCKY). The satire about the television network industry was far before its time but was out and out brilliant in several ways. First and foremost, the cast is one of the best right up there with THE GODFATHER. Faye Dunaway, and William Holden lead an exceptional cast as the producers of a news show anchored by Peter Finch that becomes an overnight success when Finch's character, who we learn was fired at the beginning of the film, threatens to kill himself at the end of his last broadcast. Dunaway is ambitious and perfect in every definition of the word; Finch is stunning as a psychotic broadcaster turned prophet; Holden depicts class and depth as a network executive; and other players, including Robert Duvall (new network executive) and Beatrice Straight (as Holden's wife who struggles to maintain her dignity after learning of her husband's infidelities) prove what great supporting roles can do. Paddy Chayefsky's play is absolutely flawless with biting satire, wit, and deep drama in every scene while director Sidney Lumet captures the world of the television industry with subtle perfection. Dunaway, Finch (who died just after the film wrapped), and Straight won Academy Awards for their roles, the second film to win 3 acting awards in a year.

Rating: 8/10

I am not a big Demi Moore fan and seeing this movie wasn't top priority but afterwards I was very pleased with the outcome. This is, by far, Demi Moore's best film to date as she shows so much emotion as a single mother stuck in a difficult position between working for the mafia in order to save her family and herself. Moore truly deserved an Academy Award nomination if not a win, and the Razzies were very out of line by giving her Worst Actress for this (it was moreso for "Striptease" and that also wasn't that bad...a thing about the Razzies, they don't know what the hell they're talking about half the time). Alec Baldwin is pretty good as the villain and Anne Heche gives all she has as the token best friend. Ted Tally's ("Silence of the Lambs") script is riveting and keeps you on the edge of your seat. A great suspense film with a great performance by Demi Moore...see it and believe it. 8/10

I saw this movie the other day on TV and it was very, very well made. First, Jason Scott Lee and Lauren Holly were perfect and the chemistry was amazing...easily her best performance. The actress who played Holly's mother was terrific as well. Wonderful love and tragic love story beautifully converted to the screen.