Network (1976)
3.25 out of 4stars
“A television network cynically exploits a deranged former anchor's ravings and revelations about the news media for its own profit, but finds that his message may be difficult to control.”
A great satirical drama that is/was prophetic of the future of media and its impact on society as a whole and individually. An Oscar darling, receiving 10 nominations and accumulating 4 wins: Best Actor (Finch), Best Actress (Dunaway), Best Supporting Actress (Straight), and Best Screenplay (Chayefsky). On that note, Peter Finch is electric any time he’s on the screen, many thanks to his delivery of a character that has lost his mind in a “crazy like a fox” way. Material one needs to walk a fine line with, Finch knocks out of the park. Finch is the frustrated man speaking sad truths of the news and world, issues and oppressive forces that seem unchangeable or controllable. Some other nice notes of how money and satisfaction are humanity’s God at the end of the day, and the only way money is trumped is if opinion-pushing/propaganda choices outweigh it for top of the pyramid peoples. The film also has hints or notions on the future of media becoming more fast-paced, sensationalized, crude, and “realistic”, with connections to tabloid shows/tabloid talk shows, reality shows, and personal footage use/publication all for the sake of money and more audience viewers. And society’s overconsumption and attachment to this media/style as their main source of entertainment, translated to even the immediacy and rapidity of TikTok’s and Cell Phone usage now with the younger generation, leads to a “dehumanization” of humanity, shrinking reality for people and turning them into insensitive and indifferent beings with minimal functioning abilities in reality/the-real-world with real people. Personal and functional relationships suffer, and psychological/mental/emotional dysfunctions occur from this now inhuman instant satisfaction. Technology itself has become such a double edged sword even beyond this that it’s frightening of where the future may lead for humanity as a whole.
A Face in the Crowd (1957)
3.20 out of 4stars
“A female radio reporter turns a folk-singing drifter into a powerful media star.”
A great satirical drama about the power of celebrity and media on the public. Andy Griffith as a dominant charismatic and personable personality is ironically just that in this homeless drunk to wealthy star demagogue turn, all while being a manipulative monster behind the scenes(in the film). Being endearing on a national or worldwide scale, thanks to the abilities of TV/media, is itself a tool of epic influential power that appears to be mostly morally and legally unchecked. Capable of convincing millions to make purchases, adopt thoughts/opinions, make decisions, and other actions from their spoken words as if they were religious gospel, even if scripted and paid advertisements/affiliations. Even political affairs. The power of celebrity idolatry, especially on youth and young adults, can be obsessive and destructive, and altogether life changing. Thus large scale impactive across a vast area of people. The craziest part of all this, is that it’s a continuous cycle that will never stop. This film is nearly 70years old and displayed this issue, which is only more susceptible today, and was likely even susceptible prior on smaller scales historically. And of course this all was made possible because of media’s vast exposure ability (radio and TV during the film’s time), which has grown almost limitlessly now to the internet, streaming, and social media platforms connecting billions of people worldwide (supposedly over 5 billion now, with the exception of some countries having bans on social media websites). Kind of makes you question every celebrity’s “molded” and promoted carefully protected public image versus their true selves and motives behind closed doors. Ellen Degeneres is the best recent example that popped into my mind, and there are many others on record as well.
Oppenheimer (2023)
4 Star General Stupendous
“The story of American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in the development of the atomic bomb.”
Christopher Nolan knows noteworthy cinema. Oppenheimer explodes off the screen, spewing its greatness all around. It’d be willy-nilly and silly if Cilly Murphy didn’t get an Oscar nom. Not only did he personify JR Oppenheimer, he also became death, became the destroyer of worlds, and, paternity test pending, may be the father of the atomic bomb. And just learning of Cilian’s almond a day keeps the Nazi’s at bay diet was even more consuming, showing that he really went full boar. Once Cilian whispered the words he stole from an 80’s movie, “If you build it, they will come”, a town full of scientists emerged like gremlins at a waterpark. The Manhattan Project became a blast, bursting with enthusiasm which led to a booming success. Fiery mushroom hors d’oeuvres were served to commemorate the big bang and all were pleased…...except iron man, “who always needs to be in the spotlight”, he just couldn’t stay dead and had to try to ruin Oppey’s good name years later. Freaking Robert Downey Jr, let someone else save the world for once.
