The Ratings Game

The Ratings Game is a 1984 American TV movie directed by Danny DeVito. This marked DeVito's directorial debut and he not only helmed the project but also led the cast, typically known for showcasing his tremendous acting prowess. The movie also features Rhea Perlman, Devito's real-life wife, thus making it an engaging family affair. Alongside it stars Gerrit Graham, and an array of supporting cast adding depth to the plot.

The main premise of The Ratings Game centres around the world of television ratings and the inherent distortion, manipulation, and bias within it. This brilliant satire provides an inside scandalous outlook on how the television industry works, with TV networks' obsession with ratings being the focal point.

DeVito, in a sharp turn from his usual on-screen roles, plays the character of Vic De Salvo, a New Jersey trucking tycoon with a voracious desire for celebrity status. The only deterrent in his path is that he is, objectively, not very likable, and, subjectively, a bit of an annoying pest. Still, his determination is unparalleled. Despite multiple rejections, his relentless pursuit puts him in a position to produce a television show and he hopes to make it to the pinnacle of TV ratings.

Rhea Perlman plays Francine Kester, a girlfriend-turned-accomplice of Vic's who works at a system monitoring company that tracks the ratings of various television shows. Her significance in the scheme of things lies in the fact that she is ideally placed to play an intimate part in Vic's ambitious plan.

The film successfully walks the tightrope of being a comedy while penetratingly satirizing the television industry and the power yielded by ratings in dictating the quality of the content showcased on television. It encapsulates the absurdity and the extremes to which individuals can go to secure higher ratings for their shows.

DeVito's direction is both intelligent and fresh, giving an authentic take on satirical comedy. Despite being his first stint at directing, his handling of the subject attests to exceptional finesse and a nuanced understanding of the film's comedic undertone. DeVito shapes his character imaginatively, with consistent humor and an almost endearing level of crudeness that adds to the overall charm of the movie. Perlman delivers a captivating performance as the often exasperated girlfriend who remains loyal in the thick of scandal.

Gerrit Graham is outstanding as Parker Braum, a sleazy network executive unabashed in his determination to maintain control and keep order. He is, in many ways, epitomizing the corruption and the power hierarchy rampant in the industry.

Additional casting including Kevin McCarthy, Michael Richards, George Wendt, among others, only add further heft to this layered comedy. Each character builds on its strengths, contributing to the humorous climax that is both unexpected and satisfying.

The Ratings Game cleverly employs parody, ridicule, and comic exaggeration to provide a glimpse into the somewhat secretive operations of the television ratings world. Beneath its comedic exterior lies a critical reflection on the systemic issues of the television industry concerning its content control and the influence of ratings on what the audience gets to watch.

The film's keen commentary and astute humor render it a remarkably entertaining watch, but also an insightful social commentary. The Ratings Game, hence, appeals widely to those who appreciate clever satire and nuanced humor. Its execution sparkles with wit, and the film remains a testament to DeVito's skilled craftsmanship and a sharp comedic sensibility.

In conclusion, The Ratings Game is an underrated hidden gem that deserves a watch for its ingenuity in combining comedy with a critical expose on the Television industry. It's a must-watch not just for its captivating plot, but also for the fantastic performances and exceptional execution by DeVito in his debut as a director. The movie is a brilliant time capsule from the mid-80s, offering a clever, funny, and insightful commentary on the television industry that continues to be relevant today.