The movie is still so topical, even if it was out in 1988. It is filled with arguments from people who call themselves far right or far left. We get mixed up, hateful and frustrated callers. Everything is there. It is not premonitory, but we are now back in this atmosphere of mistrust towards all.It's little like Facebook but on the radio.In any case, that led me to several thoughts. It does not stop. A social criticism still on the spot, especially nowadays.In addition, the main actor, Eric Bogosian, is the same who wrote the play and the film, he is excellent and realistic in portraying a loud, talk radio personality.

Talk Radio is a great movie with a very well developed plot and an excellent cast. It is a very engrossing film mainly because of how character based it is. The main focus is on Barry, who is an immensely well written character, by the end of the movie we gain a very clear and concise understanding of how his mind works. I did find it to be a tad too Barry based, I understand that the play is obviously that way and they wanted to stay true to it. However, I think with a film it would be a lot more effective for us to gain a deeper understanding on his relationship with other characters, rather than merely how he thinks and feels. It would have been to have seen more scope to the likes of Ellen or Stu. The closing monologue is the most effective part of the film, it is hard hitting and delivered with pure passion by Eric Bogosian. He delivers each line with great power and clearly put a lot of thought in to this character he created, it is the icing on the cake of a film experience that is truly unique. It makes you think about the world and can also make you laugh, I love a movie that can do that. Dramatic, well written and acted, Talk Radio is worth the watch for anyone looking for a good drama. A controversial radio talk show host soon becomes shock by the hatred he receives. Best Performance: Eric Bogosian

TALK RADIO is directed by Oliver Stone and based on the play created by its star Eric Bogosian and Tad Savinar. The movie takes place in 1988 at KGAB radio where Barry Champlain(Bogosian)rules the Dallas-Ft. Worth area airways with his late night acerbic venom talk-show insulting any and everyone that gets in the way of his caustic humor and controversial political views...political correctness has yet to be theorized let alone be honored. Champlain's antics have already started wearing thin with his chain-smoking engineer Stu(John C. McGinley). His producer girl friend Ellen(Ellen Greene)is but a doormat to the ego-swollen and pompous shock jock. His love is deflating his many callers daring to be cut down before being hung up on. The self-loving and larger-than-life air personality starts to spiral out of control when he finds out with practically no forewarned notice that "his" show it to go national after the weekend. Hiding his insecurity he phones his ex-wife(Leslie Hope)and wants her by his side as a crutch. Barry re-enters his control room to the sounds of his theme song "Bad To The Bone" by George Thorogood and begins to amp up his anger filled rants to further fearlessly irritate ethnic groups and listeners in general. Parts of this film is based on the assassination of talk radio host Alan Berg in 1984.Bogosian appears flawless in his characterization. Also in the cast are: Alec Baldwin, John Pankow and Zach Grenier. Caller voices are provided by the likes of: Alan Corduner, Michael Wincott, Park Overall, Earl Hindman, William De Acutis, Frederica Meister, Michelle Mariana and Rockets Redglare, who plays a pivotal role in the finale. Being in radio once myself for several years, I admit to several twinges of jealousy. It wasn't long lived. Every time I watch this movie I find something new.

How? What did I miss? I love movies and I am extremely opened minded to all types of films. The best description I could give to this movie is it literally sucked 1.5 hours of my life from me. It is (no exaggeration) the worst film I have ever watched PERIOD. I want to know what movie these good review people were watching. Please, if you are going to respond back, please remember this. There is a reason 99/100 people have not heard of the film. There is a reason no one mentions it as one of Stone's best. There is a reason it is not on any favorite list of best movies (including yours). There is could go on all day. This movie made Bio-Dome look like an Oscar Award nominee for best picture.