Broadcast News (1987)

Take two rival TV reporters: one handsome, one talented, both male. Add one producer, female. Mix well and watch the sparks fly.

Director:

James L. Brooks

Writer:

James L. Brooks

Stars:

William Hurt, Albert Brooks, Holly Hunter

Nominated for 7 Oscars. Another 17 wins & 10 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
William Hurt	...	Tom Grunick
Albert Brooks	...	Aaron Altman
Holly Hunter	...	Jane Craig
Robert Prosky	...	Ernie Merriman
Lois Chiles	...	Jennifer Mack
Joan Cusack	...	Blair Litton (as Joan Cusak)
Peter Hackes	...	Paul Moore
Christian Clemenson	...	Bobby
Jack Nicholson	...	Bill Rorich
Robert Katims	...	Martin Klein
Ed Wheeler	...	George Wein
Stephen Mendillo	...	Gerald Grunick
Kimber Shoop	...	Young Tom
Dwayne Markee	...	Young Aaron
Gennie James	...	Young Jane

Storyline

Basket-case network news producer Jane Craig falls for new reporter Tom Grunnick, a pretty boy who represents the trend towards entertainment news she despises. Aaron Altman, a talented but plain correspondent, carries an unrequited torch for Jane. Sparks fly between the three as the network prepares for big changes, and both the news and Jane must decide between style and substance.

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Plot Keywords:

tv reporter | love triangle | television | crocodile tears | stress management | 

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Taglines:

It's the story of their lives.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 December 1987 (USA)

Also Known As:

Network News

Filming Locations:

600 East Capitol Street SE, Capitol Hill, Washington, District of Columbia, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$20,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$51,249,404 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Amercent Films, American Entertainment Partners L.P., Gracie Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

133 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Early in the film, Aaron (Albert Brooks) is told a man is waiting for him downstairs for an interview. Tom, (William Hurt), asks if he can come along. There were scenes filmed that showed the interview. The man they interviewed went on to inspire Tom to be a better reporter. Those scenes were cut from the final film.

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Goofs

When Tom is coaching Aaron on anchoring, he turns the camera on himself and adjusts it. Then a cameraman appears, then disappears.

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Quotes

Paul Moore: It must be nice to always believe you know better, to always think you're the smartest person in the room.
Jane Craig: No. It's awful.

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Crazy Credits

Albert Brooks' singing of "L'Edition Speciale" from the film also briefly appears in the end credits.

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Connections

Spoofed in The Simpsons: Homer vs. Lisa and the Eighth Commandment (1991)

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Soundtracks

"L'Edition Speciale"
Written by Francis Cabrel
Performed by Francis Cabrel
Courtesy of Editions 31 (Paris)

User Reviews

Another Winner From James L. Brooks

"Broadcast News" deals with news journalists who are all trying to keep their sanity in an insane business. William Hurt (Oscar-nominated) is the man who will do anything to become the head news anchor with his television network. He knows that the top anchor (Jack Nicholson) will be retiring soon and he must have that seat in front of the camera. Holly Hunter (also Oscar-nominated) is the smart producer who realizes that not everything in the news business is just black and white. Albert Brooks (Oscar-nominated as well) is the reporter who does not take anything too seriously. He is a great newsman, but does not have the drive or charisma to make a splash like Hurt does. This is definitely a black-comedy because the comedy comes to a screeching halt throughout the film to make way for heartrending drama that is both realistic and sometimes difficult to take. Brooks' screenplay is smart for the most part, but the film is flawed in several areas. Sometimes the direction is not clear. I think that Brooks was going for something like "Network". He comes close, but this film is in a lower class than that movie. The performances are top-notch. However, Jack Nicholson's token appearance is somewhat wasted here. He shows up for one or two minutes at a time and his character is never explored. More Jack Nicholson would have provided more insight into Hurt's character and his motives. Though flawed, "Broadcast News" is still a very good film that is a winner for the most part. 4 stars out of 5.