In a time where everyone is connected to some form of media, whether that be television, radio, the internet, or any other outlet designed to reach a wider audience, media literacy is more important now than ever before. Because of this, I have always been intrigued by the portrayal of media in film, and how many creatives use it to expose underlying problems or concerns within the industry itself. While there are a plethora of films that incorporate some form of media within their narrative, I’d like to focus on four stories in particular that address their creators’ critiques and warnings about the current state of the media landscape and the problems surrounding it.
Network (1976)
Director: Sidney Lumet
Synopsis: When veteran anchorman Howard Beale (Peter Finch) is forced to retire because of his age, he announces to viewers that he will kill himself during his farewell broadcast. Network executives rethink their decision when his fanatical tirade results in a spike in ratings.
Why it’s Worth Watching Today: Under this films’ impeccable lyricism and grade A acting, Network serves as both a political satire and critique on the television industry that has yet to lose relevance after all these years. It single-handedly tackles the hollowness of the media industry, highlighting the decline in informative content in favor of entertainment and ratings. This film serves as a love letter to professional journalism coated in appreciation and rage. Peter Finch’s delivery when discussing things like mindless consumerism and corrupt corporate buyouts is something to behold, leading to many memorable, and equally impactful, lines. I truly believe that the older this film becomes, the better it gets. Network (1976) – IMDb
“I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!”
The Truman Show (1998)
Director: Peter Weir
Synopsis: Insecure salesman Truman Burbank (Jim Carrey) begins to suspect that his whole life is some sort of reality TV show captured by hidden cameras.
Why it’s Worth Watching Today: The Truman Show is one of those films that instantly became one of my personal favorites. It serves as an excellent satire of reality television by pushing the idea to the extreme and further highlighting the dangers of celebrity obsession. Written by Andrew Niccol, the world and overall narrative is masterfully crafted and is only heightened by the beautiful set design, which is realistic yet has an air of artificiality. The film hammers home the idea that an authentic life, with all of its dangers and imperfections, is more valuable than a safe, yet fabricated, existence. Despite its comedic nature, The Truman Show is a very thought provoking story and hits a perfect balance between comedy and drama. The Truman Show (1998) – IMDb
“Good morning, and in case I don’t see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night!”
Perfect Blue (1997)
Director: Satoshi Kon
Synopsis: Rising pop star Mima (Junko Iwao) quits singing to pursue a career as an actress. After she takes up a role on a popular detective show, her handlers and collaborators begin turning up murdered. Harboring feelings of guilt and haunted by visions of her former self, Mima’s reality and fantasy meld into a frenzied paranoia.
Why it’s Worth Watching Today: As with all Satoshi Kon films, you don’t really get the full picture in just one viewing; you gain more of an appreciation for his works on the second, or even third watch. Because of this, there are a plethora of deep dives into the many interpretations of Perfect Blue which highlight how much of a literary masterpiece this film is. Surprisingly, most interpretations of this film work in some way or another, as is by design. The blend between illusion and reality perfectly captures the fragmentation of identity Mima feels throughout the film. Perfect Blue serves as a cautionary critique of fame and Japan’s idol culture, delving into many mature themes like the exploitation of female stars for the male gaze, and the toxicity of celebrity obsession and parasocial relationships. While this film is not for the faint of heart, it’s a suspenseful yet informative piece worth watching. Perfect Blue (1997) – IMDb
“How do you think you know that the person you were a second ago is the same person that you are right now?”
Serial Experiments Lain (1998)
Producer: Yasuyuki Ueda
Synopsis: An awkward and introverted girl, Lain Iwakura (Kaori Shimizu), driven by the abrupt suicide of a classmate, logs on to “the Wired” and promptly loses herself in a twisted mass of hallucinations, memories, and interconnected-psyches.
Why it’s Worth Watching Today: After rewatching this series recently, I gained a further appreciation for the story it tells. Serial Experiments Lain is a chilling examination of social media and internet culture, exploring the consequences of living out our lives through the digital space. The story is very complex and can be interpreted in a variety of ways. Along with its beautiful use of sound and animation, it perfectly encapsulates this calming yet eerie tone. Some topics, like obsession with the internet and online personas, will resonate with viewers now more than ever before. It’s actually pretty impressive how ahead of its time some of the themes covered in this series are. With all that being said, it has gained quite the cult following over the years, and has cemented itself as a part of internet culture. The opening theme, “Duvet” by the British band Bôa, is extremely iconic and perfectly captures the themes present in the show despite not being originally written for this series. While this series isn’t for everyone, it is definitely worth a watch for the experience and uniqueness alone. Serial Experiments Lain (1998) -IMDb
“No matter where you go, everyone’s connected.“
These four pieces are but a few examples of creatives using their artform to express themselves while simultaneously bringing important subject matters within their space to the forefront of discussions. They also further demonstrate how impactful and important the media industry is in our daily lives. We all interact with some form of media in one way or another and it can subconsciously influence our perception of the world. It’s pieces like these that challenge their viewers to look at things critically and encourage them to actively engage with the works they consume. As catalysts for change, they start important conversations while offering timeless entertainment.
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