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Compare And Contrast A Streetcar Named Desire And Network

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aela West
Guillermo Reyes
THE 405: The Oscars
Final Paper As actors are the most influential block of the Academy, it is easy to understand why both films, “A Streetcar Named Desire” and “Network” are so successful. Both films featured outstanding performances, arguably none more outstanding than that of the female lead in “A Streetcar Named DesireVivien Leigh. While the performances off all the actors in each of the films are notable, to accurately discuss how the actors, distinguish themselves, some context of the plot of each film must be noted, so that the characters (and therefore the actor’s performances playing said actors) can be fairly observed. The emphasis on the explanation of plot will be geared to focus on actor …show more content…

After many harsh words, threats of loss of position for both Beale and Schumacher, Diane Christensen steps in. Head of the programs networking department, she sees that the ratings for Beale’s show has gone through the roof, and wants to not only keep him on air, but give him his own show, and essentially exploit his mental illness for profit and ratings. Schumacher disagrees with this policy and leaves the company. Meanwhile, an unlikely romance has sprung up between Schumacher and Christensen, though Schumacher is a married man. This relationship is where the viewer can see some truly moving acting for Christensen’s character (Faye Dunaway). Schumacher wife (Beatrice Straight) has a monologue when he leaves her for Christensen, one that shines in its authentic sorrow, pain and love. Howard Beale (Peter Finch) goes on to express various lunacy on stage, once again delivering truly moving acting work on Finches part. He host’s his own show, called “The Howard Beale Show” that has exceptional ratings and a very loyal fan base. A very memorable moment is during one of Beale’s tirades when he tells his viewers to stick their heads out the window and shout “I’m mad as hell, and I’m not going to take it anymore”. Amazingly tons of people all over the world do exactly that, the phrase becomes the show’s mantra and an indicator of Beale’s remaining career. This spiel and various other are a great example of Finch’s

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