Talk Radio

Talk Radio.
1988 Cineplex Odeon Films and Universal Pictures.
Starring: Eric Bogosian, Alec Baldwin, Ellen Greene, Leslie Hope, John C. McGinley, John Pankow, Michael Wincott
Music: Stewart Copeland
Director: Oliver Stone
Available for purchase at Amazon.

Talk Radio is based on Eric Bogosian's stage play, and portions of the screenplay was based on the 1984 assassination of Denver radio personality Alan Berg at the hands of neo-Nazis.

Bogosian is Dallas radio personality Barry Champlain, a host of a nightly Dallas program called Night Talk. Champlain's trademark is arguing with and insulting his callers, an audience of freaks, losers, racists, homophobes, and more than a few people who wouldn't think twice of ending Champlain's life because his nightly tirades infuriate them so much. Champlain usually hangs up on many of his callers, and they usually call back for another round of verbal fisticuffs with the host. Barry Champlain, despite his brash public persona, is actually a very insecure, self-loathing man. He was a clothes salesman who somehow lucked into a radio gig one fateful afternoon, and as his fame and audience grew, Barry started to live his outrageous radio persona off the air as well.

One Friday night, Champlain learns that his show will be picked up for national syndication, and the first nationwide show is scheduled for the following Monday. While being syndicated nationally will potentially mean more money, more fame, and a country filled with would-be listeners for him, Barry is less than thrilled at the news. He's dealing with the end of his relationship with a younger female producer named Laura (Hope), and the possibility that his new syndication bosses will neuter his show and his on-air persona. Barry's supportive ex-wife Ellen (Greene) flies into town to be on hand for what is supposed to be his first national program, but what she witnesses instead is completely the opposite of what should be a celebration: her former husband crashing and burning spectacularly on the air.

Great, great, GREAT movie. Eric Bogosian's performance was incredible. Highly, highly recommended film.