Lumet says that the film is about corruption. Everybody in the film except Beale (who is crazy) is corrupt. Lumet worked with screenwriter Paddy Chayefsky in the early days of T.V. and talks at length about the man with great affection and respect. The veteran director does not think of the film as a satire and points out that everything in it, except for the ending, has already happened. This is another solid track from Lumet who, among other topics, talks about how the quality of network news has gone downhill.

Lumet gives us interspersed sentences throughout the film, with nothing that we really can't learn just by reading Imdb or by just watching the film. His main points are that TV is corrupt (we knew that from the movie) and that the style of the film changes to a more refined style by the end of the film (we could learn that from Imdb.) I suggest letting this film speak for itself, because it is so brilliant left alone. Network needs no addendum; it is brilliant because it is not subtle. If you don't get it, a commentary probably won't help.

Well worth the time. He explains his approach to casting, talks about the lighting arc from natural to stylized and why, reveals his approach to working with the actors and how he's managed to get some of their best work, and he always credits his collaborators. I liked hearing him admit that he didn't think he was good at comedy, and that Paddy Chayefsky brought it out of him in a balancing relationship.

But the most enjoyable part of it for me was to hear him get such a kick out of the film. Parts of NETWORK make me laugh every time, and to hear him breaking up and having to stop his comments for laughter verified to me that this is such choice work that even the man who directed it can't keep from being tickled.

There are many extras on the 2nd disc. If you like the film, they're worth the time. Having Sydney Lumet in your home giving his report on how he made this film is a privilege that few elite film students ever had, and it's here for any of us.

Lumet is a joy listening to. I love the movie and although I've read his seminal book (essential for young filmmakers btw), which covers a lot of what he talks about, it's still really good.

Lumet praises writer Paddy Chayefsky. Both worked for Live TV and they knew each other long before making Network. Chayefsky had a big influence in the production and was on the set. Chayefsky could see the further development of TV.

Lumet talks also about working on Live TV, the casting, the acting, shooting on location, the lighting and the legacy of the movie. Everybody was committed to the movie and did the best for it. Lumet has always good points during the track. There are no gaps. This track is perfect. 10 out of 10.