Have you ever found yourself screaming at the television, “I’m as mad as hell and I’m not gonna take this anymore!”? Well, it turns out, you’re not alone! This iconic line from the 1976 film Network resonates now more than ever, perfectly encapsulating our shared frustrations with today’s world. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) knows this sentiment all too well, and every year, they honor remarkable writers with the Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award—named after the genius behind the very words that inspired revolts among audiences. In this article, we’ll delve into the brilliance of Chayefsky’s writing and reexamine the powerful tirade of newscaster Howard Beale, played by Peter Finch. This monologue remains a stunning critique of our media-saturated society, reminding us that sometimes, it’s necessary to stand up and shout against the noise! Curious to see how Chayefsky’s words still echo through our culture? LEARN MORE.
“I’m as mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore!”
The WGA has an annual honor called The Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award. And even though it’s for writers who work in TV, where Chayefsky ruled during its so-called “Golden Age,” there is no piece of writing that displays Chayefsky’s brilliance than this famous monologue in the movie Network (1976). In this scene, newscaster Howard Beale (Peter Finch) goes on a tirade about contemporary life that is as relevant today as it was over 30 years ago.
Here is the script version of the scene:
