I'm glad Owlwise pointed out that the movie is a satire. I assume that's why some people don't like it and don't get it. They probably don't like "Dr. Strangelove," either.
I respect their opinion, but I think "Network" is brilliant. It lost the Oscar because sentimentality and inspiration ("Rocky") beat satire.

The artist generally sees what's coming before everyone else and that's the case with this film, which seems just as much a documentary now, as well as the brilliant & scathing satire that it's always been.

It's just as relevant today as it was in the 70's . Sign of a great picture .

What's "awful and pretentious" about the film Network. Be specific. It's too liberal?? Too conservative??? Toowhat?? don't you see Howard Beale on Fox News?? (Hello Bill O'Reilly!! Blowhard. Sean Hannity..sell your soul.."Give me $5 million, I'll say it". Hillarys from Mars..) Network to me is REAL. How many movies can say that?!? They're all focus grouped to death. I'll bet you hard cash there were people who didn't want Network made. (Can't bite the hand that feeds us. Our TV division will get pissed!) Screw them. I can imagine reaction to black revolutionaries. Ha Ha This is REAL. Black Lives matter. Deal with it..

it's because it's awful and pretentious

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