The film revolves around three characters who work in television news.

Jane Craig (Holly Hunter) is a talented producer who tries to conceal how important it is for her to be found sexually attractive by a handsome man (William Hurt) who epitomizes everything about television news that appalls her.

Jane’s best friend and frequent collaborator, Aaron Altman (Albert Brooks), is a gifted writer and reporter ambitious for on-camera exposure, who is secretly in love with Jane, and embittered by her rejection of him.

Tom Grunick (William Hurt), although charismatic and telegenic, is denied self-respect due to his intellectual limitations, of which he is all too aware. He is attracted to Jane, although he is also intimidated by her skills and intensity. The emotional triangle formed by these three disparate people is the basis for the film’s storyline.

The film contains bits of business that are a send-up of TV journalism’s egos on the one hand, and a tribute to the immediacy with which the medium can infuse news events on the other. Many of its detailed observations of public affairs TV are extremely accurate.

deletereply welshdoug wrote on Feb 4, ’08 I think this film is one of the best ever made. Keeps you watching right through, though it’s not the sort of film that I would watch usually. You’re right about the electricity between the characters, but what would you expect from three really good actors. I think Holly Hunter is a wonderful actress…

deletereply nicholasjv wrote on Feb 4, ’08 Great review of a very enjoyable movie, Laurita! This was a funny one with a scorpion sting in tis tail. Thanks for participating in Movie Monday.

editdeletereply lauritasita wrote on Feb 4, ’08 Great film with great actors !

deletereply willbearsmom wrote on Feb 4, ’08 I love William Hurt, and he continues to get better with every performance. Have you seen A History of Violence? I didn’t love the movie, but he is totally awesome in a small supporting role.

editdeletereply lauritasita wrote on Feb 4, ’08 Lori, I did not see A History of Violence, but I did see him in Children of a Lesser God, which he was wonderful in !

deletereply sweetpotatoqueen wrote on Feb 4, ’08 Loved this movie! Now I want to see it again!

editdeletereply lauritasita wrote on Feb 4, ’08 It was so funny, wasn’t it ?

deletereply sanssouciblogs wrote on Feb 4, ’08 It’s been a long time since I saw this–was that Joan Cusack? She was great. Funny scene.

editdeletereply lauritasita wrote on Feb 4, ’08 I don’t know…I’ll find out.

editdeletereply lauritasita wrote on Feb 4, ’08 Yes ! Her name is Joan Cusack. Great actress !

deletereply strongwilledwoman wrote on Feb 4, ’08 I want to comment on your beautiful picture Laurita. You are a beautiful woman, and have a mind to match. I always check your site, but don’t always leave comments. Oh and by the way thanks for stopping by mine and your wonderful words.

deletereply redheadgirl4 wrote on Feb 5, ’08 I loved this movie, great review!