Today’s quick review: Mad City. Local reporter Max Brackett (Dustin Hoffman) lands the story of his career when ex-security guard Sam Baily (John Travolta) takes hostages at the museum Max is doing a story on. Max covers the standoff from the inside, even going so far as to help Sam get favorable press coverage and make sure no one gets hurt. But as the situation escalates, Max finds himself torn between his profession and his conscience.
Mad City is a crime drama about a working man pushed to the brink, the media firestorm his actions kick off, and the reporter caught in the middle of it all. Dustin Hoffman stars as Max, a new professional who sees Sam’s breakdown as his ticket back to the national stage. John Travolta plays opposite him as Sam, a frustrated man caught in a hostage negotiation he never wanted. Strong character work and pointed commentary on the media ensue.
The heart of the film is the relationship between Max and Sam. What begins as a cynical ploy to boost Max’s ratings gradually morphs into something resembling a real friendship. Sam comes to rely on Max for advice, while Max begins to take Sam’s side in the standoff. The characters are well-cast and draw on their actors’ respective strengths. The movie also ensures that their relationship has depth; it is never simple or unconflicted.
The other side of Mad City is its perspective on the media. Max Brackett is neck-deep in network politics, angling for the kind of sensational coverage that will boost his career back to its former heights. Human sympathy comes second, at least until his time with Sam shows him just how damaging the hunt for ratings can be. Mad City shows up close the damage that can be caused by a fickle public and a news media that’s eager for blood.
Mad City brings something unique to the table with its nuanced main characters and detailed breakdown of the media’s response to a crisis. It won’t appeal to fans of conventional crime dramas, since Sam’s criminal actions are almost accidental. It’s also missing some of the weight that the best real-life crime stories have. But those who are interested in something thoughtful and character-focused should give it a shot.
For an even more dramatic hostage situation with a similarly sympathetic protagonist, try Dog Day Afternoon.
6.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for well-drawn characters and an interesting premise.