Films That Capture a Specific Decade Better Than Any Documentary

Sidney Lumet’s ferocious satire captured the media rage, sensationalism, and corporate consolidation that invaded American television news during the mid-seventies. By predicting the rise of outrage-driven broadcasting and reality television, Paddy Chayefsky’s screenplay reflected the deep post-Watergate cynicism infecting the nation. It remains a terrifyingly accurate snapshot of mid-seventies paranoia and broadcast consumer culture.