MovieChat Forums > Network (1976) Discussion > Holden Rules

Holden Rules

posted 10 years ago by sparko418
6 replies | jump to latest

Peter Finch won the Oscar for Best Actor in Network, and he was indeed splendid, but this movie belongs to William Holden as Max Schumaker.

That's because even when the script is at its most over the top and preachy, Holden knows how to keep it real.

Best line delivery in the movie: when Holden's character snarls, "Tell Mr. Hackett to go **** himself!" That's not an f-bomb, it's a thunderbolt.

The relationship between Faye Dunaway's character and Holden's is the cornerstone of the movie. They are brilliant together and she sizzles with sex appeal and evil brain power.

[–] balthazar_bee 10 years ago

Best line delivery in the movie: when Holden's character snarls, "Tell Mr. Hackett to go **** himself!" That's not an f-bomb, it's a thunderbolt.

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I certainly have a few favourites of my own, but on the whole I feel like just about every line Holden utters in this movie is nothing short of terrific.

"'The Death Hour'...I love it."

[–] BobbyDupea 10 years ago

I've always felt that, given Peter Finch's Oscar for his performance, William Holden certainly deserved an Oscar for his performance, too.

My real name is Jeff

[–] urgeking 9 years ago

I've seen Holden in a couple of 1950s movies and wasn't particlarly impressed with his acting there-- seemed a little bit lightweight, a little bit stilted. But here he's very believable and has real gravitas.

[–] WhWm 9 years ago

Holden Rules. Yes, he does....and today is William Holden's birthday.

[–] nutsberryfarm 9 years ago



🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴

[–] jrhpax 8 years ago

I agree that William Holden is excellent and has gravitas as the only moral character of the main characters -- and he's cheating on his wife with a woman incapable of love.