Subtext: Conversations about Classic Books and Films Mad as Hell in “Network” (1976)
Nov 22, 2021
Dive into the world of media satire with a look at a TV executive's quest for outrage. The hosts dissect how anger becomes entertainment through Howard Beale's iconic outburst. They explore the film's commentary on the commodification of protest, contrasting television's immediacy with cinema's subtlety. There’s a deep analysis of character performances, particularly how Diana embodies the essence of TV. Tune in to hear about the film's recursive critique of itself and the fascinating relationship between scripted narratives and reality.
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Media Co-opts Political Rage
- Network satirizes how mass media turns political anger into entertainment and ratings.
- The film suggests anti-establishment defiance gets absorbed by the systems it opposes.
Audience As Ratings, Not People
- The audience is portrayed fractally, present mainly as ratings and shares rather than real people.
- That abstraction invites the film to ridicule viewers and our easy identification with media critiques.
Protest Becomes Spectacle
- Authentic protest in Network is commodified into spectacle for TV audiences.
- Diana transforms genuine outrage into a ratings-driving carnival, hollowing political meaning.
