Network

If you ever ask me my top 5 directors ever, Sidney Lumet will always be on the list. He understands if the characters drive the story, or if the story drives the characters. His logic and structure makes perfect sense to me. “Network” could arguably be his best movie alongside “12 Angry Men”. For me, it bounces back and forth. The satire is so on point that its tone feels appropriate even today. Spoofing news networks and getting tired of reporting the same old news all the time will drive people crazy. All of the jokes are coated within the drama of the story; they land and don’t simmer for any effect. Oh, and every performance is a smash hit. Its accolades will speak for themselves. This is what American films are missing today: a sound script with genius subtext that plays on the media, and also lets the story dictate the actions. A real thought provoker, I’m sure if I had time to make a list of the best movies ever this would be on it.