“Network” is an iconic work of art which won the academy awards in 1976 this is Paddy Chayefsky’s
finest screen play. This new paly was adopted for Broadway by writer Lee Hall. The show was directed by Ivo Van Hive. Mr. Cranston nails the role of Howard Beale who roars the memorable _”I am mad as hell and cannot take it anymore”. This is an outstanding performance by Mr. Cranston which is mesmerizing, brilliant as well as funny.
The main focus of the play is concerned with newscaster’s Howard Beale’s mental breakdown in the Hurley burly world of modern media which is epitomized by the multi screened newsroom. Cranston’s performance is legendary and a must see, particularly fans of “Breaking Bad”. This is an almost two hour play without intermission.
Supporting cast includes Tony Goldwyn as the affable television producer Shumacher and Tatiana Maslany and the corporate all business programming executive. Both of these characters are lovers and engage in a heavy sex scene which is a distraction in an otherwise wonderful and magnetic performance by Mr. Cranston.
Chayefsky ‘s words foreshadows a news era of modern day America with its populism, reality TV shows along with political and financial corruption. The show encourages the American public to rise up and “not take it anymore”.
