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Network

1976 · TMDB 7.8

Directed by Sidney Lumet

When veteran anchorman Howard Beale is forced to retire his 25-year post because of his age, he announces to viewers that he will kill himself during his farewell broadcast. Network executives rethink their decision when his fanatical tirade results in a spike in ratings.

Why it matters

Sidney Lumet's blistering satire of ratings-driven news, anchored by Peter Finch's 'mad as hell' Howard Beale. The film predicted the merger of information and entertainment with terrifying accuracy.

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