Network Monologue - "Im mad as hell" by Paddy Chayefsky

monologue from the screenplay 'Network' by Paddy Chayefsky. I will be honest, I only briefly knew about it before tackling this from the stage adaptation at the National Theatre starring the brillant Bryan Cranston. But the play and this character now captivates me!
For those who don't know it follows a news reporter named Howard Beale who after severe depression when his job hangs in the balance due to low ratings, becomes the network darling with his own show as the stereotypical "angry man" broadcaster that tells the public how it is. With this speech he riles his audience up into a frenzy and it sits veeery uncomfortably with me that a lot of what he speaks is awkwardly relevant to the world we live in now.
I am fascinated by how a play or a film can capture a feeling this way and become so timeless! The anger and resentment imbued in this script is clearly still simmering away today - if anything can help to highlight this it will be amazing works of art like this.
Having now worked on this monologue and explored the world of the play I can definitely add it to the list of my very favourites!
So make sure to keep an eye out for those plays and films that somehow pass you by as they might just end up being your new go to! 🤩