: Beyond Max's ambition, the story features a network anchorman, Kevin Hollander ( Alan Alda ), who seeks to exploit the situation for national viewership, further complicating the standoff. Mad City movie review & film summary - Roger Ebert
Max Brackett (), a seasoned but disgraced TV reporter working for a local station, happens to be in the museum's restroom when the crisis begins. Seeing an opportunity to resurrect his career, Max manages to embed himself with Sam, becoming his advisor and the exclusive intermediary between the museum and the growing media circus outside. Key Themes and Commentary
: Max coaches Sam on how to speak and act to appear sympathetic to the public. The film explores how the media can shape public perception, turning Sam into either a monster or a folk hero depending on the day's spin.
: Beyond Max's ambition, the story features a network anchorman, Kevin Hollander ( Alan Alda ), who seeks to exploit the situation for national viewership, further complicating the standoff. Mad City movie review & film summary - Roger Ebert
Max Brackett (), a seasoned but disgraced TV reporter working for a local station, happens to be in the museum's restroom when the crisis begins. Seeing an opportunity to resurrect his career, Max manages to embed himself with Sam, becoming his advisor and the exclusive intermediary between the museum and the growing media circus outside. Key Themes and Commentary
: Max coaches Sam on how to speak and act to appear sympathetic to the public. The film explores how the media can shape public perception, turning Sam into either a monster or a folk hero depending on the day's spin.