Network

Year: 1976

Runtime: 121 min

Language: English

Director: Sidney Lumet

Budget: $3.8M

Drama

This film offers a sharp critique of the television industry's relentless pursuit of higher ratings. Howard Beale, a news anchor facing disillusionment, publicly announces his intention to commit suicide on air. Instead of stopping him, the network decides to capitalize on the situation, recognizing the potential for increased viewership. Beale embraces the chaos, delivering increasingly outrageous and provocative broadcasts that resonate with a public feeling ignored and disenfranchised. His unconventional approach unexpectedly transforms him into an unlikely symbol of rebellion and a voice for the masses.

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Timeline & Setting – Network (1976)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Network (1976). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:03

Main Characters – Network (1976)

Meet the key characters of Network (1976), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:03

Major Themes – Network (1976)

Explore the central themes of Network (1976), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:03

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Scathing Media Satires like Network

Biting satires that expose the dark underbelly of the entertainment and news industries.Explore movies like Network that offer a cynical and critical look at the media industry. These films share a darkly satirical tone, exploring themes of corporate greed, sensationalism, and the erosion of ethics for entertainment and profit.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread often follow institutions or individuals within the media landscape as they abandon principle for popularity. The narrative typically involves a descent into moral bankruptcy, where success is measured by shock value and audience engagement, regardless of the human cost.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared focus on critiquing the media apparatus. They possess a dark, satirical tone, a steady pacing that builds to a revelation of systemic rot, and a heavy emotional weight derived from witnessing integrity being traded for influence.

Bleak Corporate Critiques like Network

Stories where institutions prioritize profit over humanity, leading to bleak conclusions.If you liked Network's takedown of corporate America, you'll find similar themes here. These movies depict worlds where business interests crush human spirit, often leading to tense, heavy dramas with cynical or bleak endings about systemic failure.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a character or group confronting a powerful, amoral institution. The conflict highlights the institution's cold logic, which ultimately overwhelms individual humanity. The journey is often one of disillusionment, ending with the system's victory or a stark revelation of its pervasive power.

Why These Movies?

They share a dominant theme of institutional critique, a consistently dark tone, and a high-intensity atmosphere fueled by the tension between human values and corporate imperatives. The endings are frequently bleak, reinforcing the seemingly insurmountable nature of the system.

Unlock the Full Story of Network

Don't stop at just watching — explore Network in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Network is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Network Summary

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Network Spoiler-Free Summary

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More About Network

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