Network: The Film that Predicted the Future

Network is a 1976 American film that depicts a television network struggling with poor ratings until its news anchor’s increasingly psychotic behavior makes his show a surprise hit. This comedy drama became one of the most influential in history, and its themes—corporate control, media manipulation, and societal disillusionment—are even more relevant today. In this course, we view selected film clips and examine its genius and lasting effects. We also compare the film to screenwriter Paddy Chayefsky’s earlier and similar projects —all scathing satires about major American institutions—the military, the health care system, network television—in which flawed anti-heroes finds themselves grappling with their superiors who violate the rules of basic human decency for their own gain. As part of our discussion, we trace how Chayefsky mapped the evolution of TV into an entertainment-driven spectacle in which truth becomes secondary to ratings. This course uses the Hybrid format which allows students to participate remotely and/or in the classroom. This course will be recorded. Students will have access to videos for 30 days.