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| F LoBuono |
Most of us have heard this angry lament before. It certainly ranks among the most famous lines uttered in movie history. In fact, it has been used so often and in so many ways that it's easy to forget exactly where it came from and what it ultimately means.
Well, it was written by the brilliant Paddy Chayefsky, and uttered by Peter Finch in his seminal role as "mad" TV News anchorman, Howard Beale, in the film "Network". Released in 1976, the movie criticizes the over-commercialism of the TV News industry and, with it, the dehumanizing of the American experience.
Beale, a veteran and well respected newsman for a major TV network, suffers an apparent nervous breakdown "live"on the air. In the middle of one night's newscast, he suddenly breaks away from the program's normal copy and interjects his own, rambling editorial rant against the rise of the corporation and the loss of the individual. His eyes flash and his demeanor takes on that of a preacher who's soul has been infused with the blinding light of the holy spirit as he delivers his "sermon".
Something is certainly not "normal". Most of the world would see it as psychotic behavior. His closest friends certainly do. However, Beale does not. Rather, he believes it to an epiphany - a gift. He believes that he sees with searing clarity and, so, eagerly treads the fine line between madness and brilliance. He is no longer afraid to say EXACTLY what he feels, regardless of the consequences.
At first, the audience is not sure how to react. But, eventually, his words resonate with them, And, the more "mad" he becomes the more they want him. With a huge spike in the ratings caused by Beale's eccentricities, the Network is not about to pull him off the air (as they should). In fact, they do the opposite. They decide to build an elaborate entertainment style program around his editorials. He is given the Nom De Guerre;The Mad Profit of the Airways. He does not disappoint. He rants. He raves. He slices away all of the bull shit to get to the very marrow of every issue. He's visceral.
The audience LOVES him. And, the madder he gets, the more they love him.
The "mad as hell" scene shows Finch at his most brilliant (he won the Academy Award for best actor). After waking suddenly from a dream where he receives his "epiphany" he walks all night in the driving rain. Eventually, he arrives at the studio, still in his soaking wet pajamas. Without missing a beat he walks past the security guard, uttering:
"I must make my witness" as he passes.
The guard opens the door and replies simply, "Sure thing, Mr. Beale".
Stride unbroken, he takes his place behind the anchor desk. His hair is unkempt. He eyes glare. Clutching the desk as if to keep him from launching out of his seat, his voice starts evenly and then rises.
"I don't have to tell you that things are bad . . . we know things are bad. Worse than bad. They're crazy". . .
Then, later
"I want you to get mad! . . . You've got to say 'I'm a human being, goddamn it! My life has value"!
Rising from behind his desk, hands in the air as if to beg the heavens themselves, he says:
"So, I want you to get up now. I want you all to get up and open up your windows and stick you head out and yell 'I'M MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE'"!!
The response has become part of cinematic legend. The entire film is a brilliant indictment on our political system, the media, and the over-commercialization of our society. Network went on to win the Academy Awards for Best Picture and Screenplay.
"You've got to say 'I'm a human being, goddamn it! My life has value'"!
It resonated in 1976 and it has proven prophetic today. The current political climate where people are looking for someone to give THEIR lives value is evidence of the message's longevity. The question is; where is today's Howard Beale? Who will focus the people's dissatisfaction and outright anger into a force of real change?
Some would argue that the current GOP front-runner, Donald Trump, is the heir apparent. He passes himself off as an outsider who "tells it like it is". He certainly speaks his mind and it has found traction with millions of Americans. The issue really is if WHAT he speaks is both truthful and practical. Most of it has been shown as to not be the case. In other words, when he is not exaggerating he is lying. Trump lacks the penetrating, almost mystical, insight of Beale. Where Beale is convincing in his righteous indignation, missionary zeal, and consuming passion, Trump is more like clashing symbols: he gets noticed mainly because he is LOUD.
I know Howard Beale and Donald Trump is no Howard Beale!
Now, Democratic candidate, Bernie Sanders, makes for an interesting case as Beale's heir. He certainly has been successful in running his campaign as a political outsider. He, too, has gained traction with million of Americans. His main message of eliminating income inequality has gained enough traction to vault him from being a curiosity to a real threat to win the nomination. He has shown the zeal and given the impression (literally) of a Mad Prophet of the Airways. He certainly has the hair! The real issue is that this is NOT a movie. This is for all the marbles. Can Sanders' proposals REALLY work?
In the final analysis, Beale's message is to focus you anger and dissatisfaction into direct, personal action. Get Mad as Hell. Let them know you are not going to take it anymore. There is a way. There is a time. The way is to VOTE. The time is NOW.
Epilogue: Here's a link to the actual scene - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_qgVn-Op7Q
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