Mad City (1997)
“One man will make a mistake. The other will make it a spectacle.”
A misguided museum guard who loses his job and then tries to get it back at gunpoint is thrown into the fierce world of ratings-driven TV gone mad.
The film establishes its central universe, introducing the protagonists into an escalating conflict. Directed by Costa-Gavras, this opening movement establishes high visual and thematic stakes that set the narrative journey into motion.
The protagonists navigate escalating complications, ethical dilemmas, and formidable challenges. Starring John Travolta, Dustin Hoffman, Mia Kirshner, the middle act intensifies dramatic momentum toward an inevitable turning point.
The dramatic arcs converge in a decisive climax, resolving interpersonal conflicts and delivering the auteur’s resonant thematic conclusion.
John Travolta
as Sam Baily
Dustin Hoffman
as Max Brackett
Mia Kirshner
as Laurie Callahan
Alan Alda
as Kevin Hollander
Robert Prosky
as Lou Potts
Blythe Danner
as Mrs. Banks
William Atherton
as Dohlen
Ted Levine
as Lemke
Milton Davis Jr.
as The Kids
Bill Nunn
as Cliff Williams
John Landis
as Doctor
William O'Leary
as CTN Junior ExecutiveCinematographic negative, aspect ratios & laboratory mastering sheet
| Aspect Ratios | 2.39:1 |
|---|---|
| Camera Systems | Arri Alexa LF / Panavision Millennium DXL2 |
| Negative Format | 35mm / 65mm / Digital Master |
| Printed Film Format | 70mm / DCP Master |
| Sound Mix Formats | Dolby AtmosDTS:X5.1 Surround |
| Laboratory / VFX | Technicolor / Double Negative (DNEG) |
| Color Processing | Color (Rec.709 / DCI-P3 Mastering) |
| Official Runtime | 114 min |
Pure cinematic metadata encyclopedia with zero hosted video. Official verified distribution channels:
This title may currently be in theatrical window, physical media release, or restricted by regional licenses. Switch to another territory:
Weighted consensus from 100K+ verified global cinephile ratings
The pipe organ composition from Hans Zimmer at the edge of Gargantua is monumental. Nolan masterfully balances the vast coldness of relativistic astrophysics with the intimate, multidimensional bond of family. A transcendent achievement of cinema.
"Do not go gentle into that good night, Rage, rage against the dying of the light." Michael Caine reciting Dylan Thomas resonates throughout the entire odyssey. Pure cinematic grandeur.
