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Mad City (1997)

PG-13 | | Crime, Drama, Thriller | 7 November 1997 (USA)
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A disgruntled security guard holds a school trip group hostage, while a news reporter forms a bond with him.

Director:

Writers:

(screenplay), (story) | 1 more credit »

Stars:

, , | See full cast & crew »
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1 nomination. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
... Sam
... Brackett
... Laurie
... Kevin Hollander
... Lou Potts
... Mrs. Banks
... Dohlen
... Lemke
... Miss Rose
... CTN Junior Executive
... Dobbins
... Jenny
... Diane
... Bartholomew
Bingwa ... Nat Jackson
See full cast »
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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 Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

hostage | museum | natural history museum | news reporter | reporter | See All (57) »

Taglines:

One man will make a mistake. The other will make it a spectacle. See more »

Genres:

Crime | Drama | Thriller

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for depiction of a hostage situation, including violence and brief language | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

7 November 1997 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

El cuarto poder  »

Filming Locations:

 »
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Box Office

Budget:

$50,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$4,649,742, 9 November 1997, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$10,556,196, 11 January 1998
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Production Co:

, ,  »
Show more on  »

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

| |

Color:

(Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The four engine business jet shown is a Lockheed Jetstar. One of the very few four engined business/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 204 were produced and were the first dedicated business jet produced. Popularity dwindled due to high operating (fuel and maintenance) costs See more »

Quotes

Sam: Don't negotiate my emotions!
See more »

Connections

Referenced in Hollywood Remembers Dustin Hoffman (2000) See more »

Soundtracks

Cliff's Theme Song
Written by Steven Lazaneo and Costa-Gavras (as Costa Gavras)
Performed by Steven Lazaneo pka Automatic, Norman Berry (as Chill E.B.), Omar Lima and Chad Russell
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User Reviews

Intellectually thrilling - one for the grown-ups.
25 April 2003 | by – See all my reviews

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.
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