So, finally...been trying to get around to it for literally years. It wasn't what I was expecting.
Network (1976)
First, let me say, Lumet has made some of my absolute favorite movies of all time, and though there is some powerful stuff here in Network, not to mention a great cast of actors, I have to leave the blame of my disappointments with the movie at Lumet's feet. I've seen these actors before, and they do great work. Granted, they were younger, but Duvall, especially, had already proven himself a great actor by the time this was made, but him and Dunaway over-act like mother fuckers here. I would have to guess it was by direction.
The movie had some great ideas, and in spite of the over-acting, I was following along because, well, it had a lot of good stuff going for it. But that fucking ending... Holy fucking shit, are you kidding me!? I won't say anymore in case anyone else who still hasn't watched it wants to, but good fucking grief. I had no idea they were gonna go down that level of ridiculous disbelief. Just silly shit!
I don't know, maybe the movie was meant to be a complete lampoon and I just wasn't aware of it. Maybe it was all my fault going in for not knowing that ahead of time, but it sure didn't feel like that's what it meant to be as I watched it, at least not until that ridiculous fucking ending.
Watch with caution and fair warning.