As an avid TV fan, I love it when somebody makes a movie all about the television industry. Since I'm not a movie critic, the cinema is pure entertainment for me. Unfortunately, too often the movies make the mistake of romanticizing the world of television like they do everything else. Here is my personal list of those that got it right.
My Favorite Year
From what I understand, not only is the setting for this film taken straight from Your Show of Shows but the characters are dead on representations of Sid Caesar and others who made the show happen. The movie contains what is probably Peter O'Toole's best comedic performance and an amazing supporting cast featuring Bill Macy, Lanie Kazan, and Joe Bologna.
Good Night and Good Luck
Simply put, it is a history lesson on film. The movie gives an accurate and entertaining portrayal of the McCarthy era. The acting is superb and George Clooney's directing shows a true love for the medium that made him a star. I understand that test audiences all wanted to know who played Joe McCarthy.
Quiz Show
While Robert Redford has admitted that he took some liberties, the film beautifully tells the story of the Quiz Show scandals. The best part of the film is the overpowering attitude of cynicism summed up by the one line, "I thought we were going to get TV, but TV got us." I was heartbroken to learn that the only one who really suffered from the entire scandal was Charles Van Doren.
Network
Anyone who has ever been "mad as hell." can identify with this movie. Before it became cool to show the cold. business side of television, Network showed us more than we ever wanted to see.
Confessions of a Dangerous Mind
I'm the first to admit that this movie has its flaws but ignoring the nonsense about Chuck Barris being an assassin it tells a great story of how his love for TV and innate talent to make hit shows eventually became his downfall. I never thought I would feel pity for the guy who hosted The Gong Show.
Andy Richter: The TV Squad Interview
Have any questions for Vik Sahay of Chuck? Ask them here!
Mike Henry and Daryl Hall on a Cleveland Show Thanksgiving
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-18-2007 @ 9:40AM
scully1058 said...
What about "Broadcast News"? Great movie, IMHO.
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9-18-2007 @ 10:58AM
Tom Bondurant said...
No Tootsie? It took place at a soap opera....
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9-18-2007 @ 11:05AM
KMF said...
I love My Favorite Year, after reading various books my sister is convinced that Errol Flynn's tv appearances are the inspiration.
I guess it is hard to pick just five films, so leaving Tootsie out is understandable, but it is a great film too!
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9-18-2007 @ 11:08AM
Elf said...
Gotta love the irony that two of the movies were directed by a guy who bolted a potentially highly lucrative lead role in the biggest TV show of his day as soon as he could get out of his contract...
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9-18-2007 @ 11:17AM
mseve68 said...
I loved Peter O'Toole's performance in My Favorite Year. One of his best lines: "Damn you! I'm not an actor, I'mm a movie star!"
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9-18-2007 @ 11:26AM
Tess Capra said...
*Network* reflects the current state of television to a scary degree. A brilliant piece of writing delivered by an amazing ensemble of actors.
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9-18-2007 @ 11:39AM
Akbar Fazil said...
UHF.
No movie has represented the common mans plight to use the public airwaves from the oppressors of the FCC and Corporate Funded Broadcasters.
Or something like that.
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9-18-2007 @ 12:09PM
Allison said...
One of my favorite TV-based movies is "The Truman Show".
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9-18-2007 @ 1:20PM
xvertigenx said...
Quiz show is a simply fantastic movie. Amazing acting and script. One of my all-time faves for sure!
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9-18-2007 @ 1:56PM
Jonathan Toomey said...
I'd throw in "The China Syndrome" for it's portrayal of TV news and also "A Face in the Crowd." Andy Griffith is great to watch as the TV and media transform him.
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9-18-2007 @ 2:48PM
Karen said...
@3--Yes, Errol Flynn is the inspiration for Peter O'Toole's character. And Mark Linn-Baker stands in for the young Mel Brooks.
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9-18-2007 @ 5:26PM
Mel said...
I've never seen any of these movies before (I'm too busy watching television, of course), but I would add UHF. Not too sure how accurate it is, but sure was a lot of fun. Who wouldn't want to watch Wheel of Fish or visit Spatula City?
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9-18-2007 @ 8:56PM
ech said...
The movie gives an accurate and entertaining portrayal of the McCarthy era.
The history is only semi-accurate. McCarthy was imploding well before Murrow got ahold of him.
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9-18-2007 @ 9:08PM
bob keck said...
Network. Faye Dunaway is always crazy but she's good crazy here.
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9-18-2007 @ 11:15PM
Tammy said...
My Favorite Year is one of my favorite movies. I just re-rented it recently so I could see it again. I think Peter O'Toole is fantastic in it. Yes, the characters are based on Errol Flynn and Mel Brooks.
Broadcast News would be another choice of mine. I have seen that many times and I adore Holly Hunter in it.
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9-19-2007 @ 8:52AM
Galley said...
Another vote for "UHF".
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