Critique du Library Journal

The blurred line between news and infotainment gets a witty and insightful treatment by writer-director Brooks in Broadcast News, his 1987 account of a changing business. William Hurt is spot-on as a photo-genic news reader lacking journalistic credentials who exemplifies the superficial appeal a cynical writer (Albert Brooks) and an ambitious producer (Holly Hunter) deplore, even as the latter finds herself drawn to him. Although at heart a romantic drama, News makes timeless points about journalistic integrity. In Sweet Smell of Success, a cautionary 1957 film about a nasty newspaper columnist's abuse of power, director Mackendrick pours on the acid. Burt Lancaster chokeholds his scenes as the egomaniacal J.J. Hunsecker, and Tony Curtis gives good grovel as the slavish press agent who angles to stay in his good graces. This film noir classic takes a bite out of a rotten Big Apple. Disc extras for each title address the real-life inspiration for their major characters. Patrons will enjoy revisiting these previously released titles given deserving upgrades.-Jeff T. Dick, Davenport, IA (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.