Cinema Revisited: Broadcast News (1987)
Directed by James L. Brooks. Starring Holly Hunter, William Hurt, Albert Brooks. Joan Cusack, Jack Nicholson. Released December 13, 1987. Running time: 133 minutes
There is a scene early in "Broadcast News" where Holly Hunter's character is addressing several fellow news people at a seminar, and presenting how fluff has usurped hard news. The reaction from her colleagues is one of boredom, including walkouts, until she shows, as an example of fluff, a dominos feat that not only attracts the remaining audience members, they laugh, applaud, and leave when it's done. Immediately after that, Hunter falls for plastic-but-attractive William Hurt despite having, as a friend, the delightfully witty and talented Albert Brooks, showing that she is as susceptible to fluff in her romantic life. It is a very telling moment that supports the remainder of the narrative.
This 1987 classic remains perhaps the most realistic look at TV news (albeit some of the specifics have since become dated). William Hurt realizes he isn't a good anchorman, not because he lacks self-esteem but because it's a simple fact. Yet, because he is attractive, he generates greater recognition and rises past those with real talent. Holly Hunter is ashamed at being attracted to him, even to the point where she feels jealousy when another woman shows interest. But it is Albert Brooks who is the real thing here. He is attracted to Hunter's character, but can't move past the limitation of friendship. He is smart, talented, and funny, but is overlooked in favor of the dull Hurt character whose presence somehow resonates on screen. Jack Nicholson has an unbilled cameo that continues throughout the film.
The auteurist approach in cinema usually presents exceptional work (think Chaplin, Hitchcock, Welles, Ford, and Hawks). James L. Brooks, in his first film since "Terms of Endearment" five years earlier, is the producer, writer, and director of this production, so it is completely his vision. While everyone is at their very best, James Brooks seems to respond best to the Albert Brooks character who suddenly finds himself left out of top story assignments after Hurt joins the network news staff. Even when Hunter protests, it is made clear that Brooks' talent, skill, and intelligence are no match for how Hurt looks on screen. One of the strongest sequences is when Brooks cross-cuts between the group doing the major story and Albert Brooks at home listening to music despondently, appearing completely detached from anything significant. When he finally chooses to watch, he hollers negative comments, complains about alliteration. He calls Hunter from home, in the booth, and conveys information to her for Hurt to use on the air. His intelligence comes out of Hurt, and of course it is Hurt who gets all of the credit. James Brooks makes this work in a manner where you don't fault Hurt for responding to his own opportunity, but still feel sorry for dedicated achiever Albert Brooks being overlooked.
It is worth noting that Jack Nicholson appears in an unbilled cameo as a hardened, cynical veteran news anchor. With little screen time, Nicholson manages to deliver an impact that, within the film's context makes its own statement. It is not stunt casting.
The scenes between Brooks and Hunter might be the strongest. Brooks saying, "I wish you were two people, so I could call my friend and tell her about this woman I like so much!" But just as he is left out of the broadcast loop for those who are inferior, he also limited in his romantic station. Brooks plays it as both movie and funny. Hunter's response to him is one of love from friendship but none of the deep attraction she feels for Hurt, and only for the externals.
The dialog is often sharp and witty, the characters and situations are honest and real. Brooks seems to understand his characters and his audience, so he directs his actors to a level where each of them is performing at their best.
Despite the dated specifics of hurrying videotape across the building to get it on the air in time, and all of the other pre-computer elements of the setting, "Broadcast News" is still a very authentic look at the news world and the power of even minor league celebrity.