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 Rorish | |
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Robert Katims | ... | Martin Klein |
Ed Wheeler | ... | George Weln | |
Stephen Mendillo | ... | Gerald Grunick | |
Kimber Shoop | ... | Young Tom | |
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Dwayne Markee | ... | Young Aaron |
Gennie James | ... | Young Jane |
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. Written by Scott Renshaw <as.idc@forsythe.stanford.edu>
James L. Brook is one of those directors who always seems to take a quirky look at life. He isn't only the producer for "The Simpsons," he has some classic comedies under his belt -- "Broadcast News" is one of them.
Although it doesn't match his later effort "As Good As It Gets," "Broadcast News" is still a very clever, funny and witty movie about a television broadcasting station and all the problems they suffer. There's a great comedic sequence of physical humor where Joan Cusack is running around the building trying to rush a news tape to the editing room in a matter of mere minutes before it is to be broadcast live on TV.
This isn't only very truthful in terms of how hectic broadcasting stations are operated, but also a skillful and honest portrayal of human beings.
A low-key, subtle movie with good acting (especially from Hurt, who I don't always like so much) and apt direction.