SHOP MAD CITY
IMDb >
Mad City (1997)
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summaryplot synopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglinestrailers and videospostersphoto galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsMad City (1997)
| Photos (see all 36 | slideshow) | Videos |
Overview
Tagline:
One man will make a mistake. The other will make it a spectacle.Plot:
A normal guy blows his top, and a news reporter turns into a national spectacle. full summary | add synopsisPlot Keywords:
Box Office Flop
|
Helicopter
|
Hostage
|
Media
|
Museum
NewsDesk:
(3 articles)
Will Canton Become Production Chief At Warner'S.? (From Studio Briefing. 20 November 1997)
Box Office Goes Bugs Over Troopers (From Studio Briefing. 10 November 1997)
User Comments:
The most underrated film of 1997 moreCast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| John Travolta | ... | Sam Baily | |
| Dustin Hoffman | ... | Max Brackett | |
| Mia Kirshner | ... | Laurie Callahan | |
| Alan Alda | ... | Kevin Hollander | |
| Robert Prosky | ... | Lou Potts | |
| Blythe Danner | ... | Mrs. Banks | |
| William Atherton | ... | Malt Dohlen | |
| Ted Levine | ... | Chief Alvin Lemke | |
| Tammy Lauren | ... | Miss Rose | |
| William O'Leary | ... | CTN Junior Executive #1 | |
| Raymond J. Barry | ... | Special Agent Dobbins | |
| Lucinda Jenney | ... | Jenny Baily | |
| Akosua Busia | ... | Diane Williams | |
| Ebbe Roe Smith | ... | Travis Bartholomew | |
| Bingwa | ... | Nat Jackson |
Additional Details
MPAA:
Rated PG-13 for depiction of a hostage situation, including violence and brief language.Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parentsRuntime:
114 min | Argentina:115 minCountry:
USALanguage:
EnglishColor:
Color (Technicolor)Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 moreCertification:
Canada:PA (Ontario) | Iceland:12 | South Korea:15 | UK:12 (video rating) | UK:15 | Argentina:13 | Australia:M | Denmark:15 | Finland:K-12 | France:U | Germany:12 (w) | Mexico:B | Netherlands:12 (video premiere) | Norway:11 | Singapore:PG | USA:PG-13MOVIEmeter: 
Fun Stuff
FAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more
Message Boards
Discuss this title with other users on IMDb message board for Mad City (1997) moreRecommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
Show more recommendations
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
| Eraser | Ace in the Hole | Kabul Express | Escape from New York | Signs |
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
| News articles | IMDb Drama section | IMDb USA section |
| Add this title to MyMovies |


















I'll be the first one to admit that this is not a movie for
everyone- it's not your average mainstream Hollywood movie. However, it IS a brilliant, scathing satire of the media's true power in modern-day society. Instead of going for overkill like the pathetic "Natural Born Killers," this movie uses dark comedy, brilliant performances, and genuine thrills to create one of the most clever and powerful social commentaries to be seen in film in years. If you're expecting a typical Hollywood thriller with a formula plot and a nice, neat ending then you'll be disappointed, but if you're looking for a smart, powerful film with brilliant performances by Dustin Hoffman and John Travolta, then I would recommend this movie. In a time when events like the O.J. Simpson trial make the media's influence in our society more than apparent, it's refreshing to see a movie willing to stare this issue right in the face.