Broadcast News-1987

Director James L. Brooks

Starring William Hurt, Holly Hunter

Scott’s Review #602

Reviewed January 11, 2017

Grade: B

Broadcast News is a 1987 feature film that is admittedly an intelligently written romantic comedy.

It earned several Academy Award nominations, in what has been a bleak year for the film industry.

That said, I found the film’s overall result to be a decent, but certainly not fantastic. I left feeling that it was “okay”.

I do not think it was good enough to warrant Oscar nominations, but it was enjoyable all the same.

The principal characters are interesting enough, albeit safe.

The film centers around three television news people: a neurotic news producer (Holly Hunter), a reporter (Albert Brooks), and his rival (William Hurt).

All of them are ambitious and determined to climb the ladder of success in their Washington, D.C., base.

The film explores the characters’ relationships.

As stated, there is nothing wrong with the film. I expected a bit more, perhaps a deeper or darker story; instead, despite some witty dialogue, the film is largely a safe, predictable journey.

Oscar Nominations: Best Picture, Best Actor-William Hurt, Best Actress-Holly Hunter, Best Supporting Actor-Albert Brooks, Best Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing

Golden Globe Nominations: Best Picture-Comedy or Musical, Best Director-James L. Brooks, Best Actor-Comedy or Musical-William Hurt, Best Actress-Comedy or Musical-Holly Hunter, Best Screenplay