Broadcast News

Directed by James L. Brooks, Broadcast News follows a trio of characters (Holly Hunter’s Jane Craig, Albert Brooks’ Aaron Altman, and William Hurt’s Tom Grunick) as they attempt to navigate the cutthroat world of television news reporting. Filmmaker Brooks, working from his own screenplay, does an absolutely fantastic job of immediately luring the viewer into the mostly-spellbinding proceedings, as Broadcast News opens with a terrific prologue detailing the protagonists’ respective childhoods that paves the way for a stirring, surprising narrative – with the stellar feel perpetuated by the first-class efforts of stars Hunter, Brooks, and Hurt (ie they’re all just so good here, ultimately). It’s clear, too, that Broadcast News‘ success is due in no small part to its compelling, fascinating newsroom atmosphere and proliferation of mesmerizing sequences (eg Joan Cusack’s Blair runs a tape to the control room, Brooks’ Aaron disastrously attempts to anchor a weekend show, etc), and there’s little doubt, as well, that the picture’s compulsively watchable vibe is heightened by the irresistible dynamic between the three central characters (ie the chemistry is off the charts, essentially). By the time the completely satisfying conclusion rolls around, Broadcast News has cemented its place as a top-tier endeavor that works really well as both a fascinating workplace drama and an engrossing romantic comedy.

**** out of ****