A distraught man inadvertently takes a group of children hostage in a museum while a hungry, seasoned reporter tries to resurrect his career covering the story.
Director:
Costa-Gavras
From metacritic.com
From "Dexter" to The Suicide Squad, here are our picks for the reboots and remakes we're most excited for in 2021 and beyond.
Related News
-
Associated Press Withdraws Premature Death Report on Director Costa-Gavras
30 August 2018 | The Wrap -
Francoise Bonnot Dies: Oscar-Winning Editor & Costa-Gavras Regular Was 78
13 June 2018 | Deadline -
The joy of discovering a hidden videogame gem
11 January 2018 | Den of Geek
Here are some great movies worth streaming that you won't see in the Best Picture category at the 2021 Oscars.
User Lists
Related lists from IMDb users
Share this Rating
Title: Mad City (1997)
Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below.
1 nomination.
See more awards »
Edit
Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| John Travolta | ... | Sam | |
| Dustin Hoffman | ... | Brackett | |
| Mia Kirshner | ... | Laurie | |
| Alan Alda | ... | Kevin Hollander | |
| Robert Prosky | ... | Lou Potts | |
| Blythe Danner | ... | Mrs. Banks | |
| William Atherton | ... | Dohlen | |
| Ted Levine | ... | Lemke | |
| Tammy Lauren | ... | Miss Rose | |
| William O'Leary | ... | CTN Junior Executive | |
| Raymond J. Barry | ... | Dobbins | |
| Lucinda Jenney | ... | Jenny | |
| Akosua Busia | ... | Diane | |
| Ebbe Roe Smith | ... | Bartholomew | |
 |
Bingwa | ... | Nat Jackson |
Edit
Plot Summary
|
Add Synopsis
See All (58) »
Storyline
Sam Baily, upset over losing his job, takes a natural history museum hostage. Max Brackett, journalist, is in the museum when this occurs, and gets the scoop. The story spreads nation wide, and soon it is all anyone talks about. The story itself is the news, not the reason why or the real people behind it. Written by <freckles@vivid.net>
Plot Keywords:
hostage | museum | natural history museum | news reporter | reporter |Taglines:
One man will make a mistake. The other will make it a spectacle. See more »Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated PG-13 for depiction of a hostage situation, including violence and brief language | See all certifications »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
Edit
Max Brackett: You really shouldn't let a marketing slogan go your head.
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
The four-engine business jet shown is a Lockheed Jetstar. One of the very few four engined business or personal jet planes produced. They are not as popular as twin engine business or personal jets, because they cost more to purchase, maintain, and operate, simply because of the four engine configuration. The pods hanging on the wings are external fuel tanks. They were produced from 1957 to 1978, and most were retired from service in the 1990s. Approximately two hundred four were produced, and were the first dedicated business jet produced. Popularity dwindled, due to high operating costs. See more »Quotes
Kevin Hollander: I'm who Americans trust for their news.Max Brackett: You really shouldn't let a marketing slogan go your head.
See more »
Edit
Edit
See more on IMDbPro »
See full technical specs »
Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
7 November 1997 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Mad City See more »Edit
Box Office
Budget:
$50,000,000 (estimated)Opening Weekend USA:
$4,649,742, 9 November 1997Gross USA:
$10,541,523Cumulative Worldwide Gross:
$10,541,523Company Credits
Show more on
IMDbPro »
A brilliant examination of our media-driven culture, by a film-maker who has lost none of the passion and intelligence which previously crafted such definitive political thrillers as 'Z' and 'State of siege'. I am staggered that Costa-Gavras could bring this one off while actually working within the American media empire he excoriates!
There's enough stuff here to keep any serious media-studies or political theory courses in seminars and theses for years! I immediately bought a video copy after seeing it - in Glorious SpottiVision - on Britain's quirkily watchable Channel 5; I shall be giving it regular viewings from now on. Few and far between are such examples of intellectually adult and satisfying cinema these days. Truly one to savour, unless you prefer to leave your brains out when watching films.
And Travolta's performance as the wretched ex-guard - a far from simple simpleton - is a revelation: The man is magnificent - Oscar-worthy - the great Hoffman is forced to accept a supporting role!
A great, widely misunderstood film by a true master of cinema.