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Movie Introduction

Networkis a 1976 American satirical film about a

fictional television network UBS, and its struggle

with poor ratings which results in cynical

exploitation of a deranged former anchors ravings

and revelations about the news media for its own

profit


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Characters Analysis


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Howard Beale


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Character Analysis

Childless widowerfeels isolated; Turns into a Suicidal maniac

High job commitment; Emotionally Unstable

Characters Arc: Believes life has no meaning ->

preaches the power of an individual but manipulated to dowhat's best for corporate interests

Low Conscientiousness

High on Neuroticism

Easily Manipulated

In the 8thstage of Erik Erikson (Despair)


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Transformation of Howard

Beale

Stage I

Lonely Not Happy with

his show ratings

Worried abouthis job

Stage II

EmotionallyUnstable

Stresses onIndividuals Value

Diffused Identity

Stage III

DepressiveManiac

Focus onMateriality ratherthan Humanity


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Frank Hackett


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Characteristics

Extravert (assertive), Low on Agreeableness (cold, antagonistic)

High Mach (Easily convinced to put Beale on air despite his mental

health concerns for sake of Ratings)

Narcissist (sense of entitlement, arrogant, treat others as inferior)

Has no emotional attachment with UBS

He has no loves, lusts or allegiances that are not consummately

directed toward becoming a C.C. and a board member Diana

Need for Power is high(constantly tries and is confident to replace

Ruddy) Fails to maintain Organizational Justice

Uses Coercive Power, Legitimate Power


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Diana Christian


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Characteristics

High on Mach: Perfect example of someone for whom

ends justify means

She unashamedly boasts: "All I want out of life is a 30 share and

20 rating," for which she is willing to use illegitimate,disreputable means

Currently in 6thStage of Erikson: Intimacy vs. Isolation

Unresolved Conflict in 4thStage

Industry vs. Inferiority

Resulted in highly competent nature


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Characteristics (Contd.)

Chooses Career over Intimacy

From her bed, Diana ignores her lover as she watches

Howard address the press from the UBS lobby on TV

A romantic weekend away, where Diana only speak ofbusiness with max during long walks on the beach,

romantic dinner, and their sexual intercourse

Efficient and rational; Cold and incapable of any

human feelings

No Ethical dilemma- Decides to kill Howard without

regret


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MAX Schumacher


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Characteristics

A family guy who has two daughters and a wife. He is an

established figure in the television industry. A very good friend of

the protagonist of the movie. He supported Beale throughout

He had a high level of organizational commitment and was loyal

to his firm He was relatively in control of his emotions, but at the same time

he was a realist and a rational person

He was also emotionally expressive which was depicted when he

tells Diana that he wants to be with her in spite of her betrayinghim professionally


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Characteristics (Contd.)

Max was flexible with his personal life decisions. He took

those decisions somewhat selfishly, for instance when he

leaves his wife. And then again returns to his wife when his

relationship does not work out with Diana.

He was not the kind of person who would agree with hissupervisors just so that he is liked by them. There were quite a

few instances where he is shown to confront his supervisors

which ultimately led to him being fired.

Max was a conscientious person. He was persistent in his

efforts to set Beale on the right track.

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