Watch WUSA

WUSA is a political drama film that came out in 1970, directed by Stuart Rosenberg and starring Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, and Anthony Perkins. The movie is based on Robert Stone's novel A Hall of Mirrors, and it deals with themes like disillusionment, political corruption, and manipulation. Newman plays Rheinhardt, a charming but troubled radio announcer who ends up working for a right-wing radio station called WUSA in New Orleans. Woodward is Geraldine, an enigmatic woman who appears in Rheinhardt's life and becomes his love interest. Perkins is Rainey, a radical who finds himself drawn towards WUSA as a means to achieve his goals.

The movie starts with Rheinhardt arriving in New Orleans and getting a job at WUSA, a radio station that caters to a conservative audience. Its owner Farley (played by Laurence Harvey) is a reclusive but powerful man who believes that the station can influence politics and shape public opinion. He hires Rheinhardt as a DJ, and soon he becomes popular among the listeners due to his charisma and wit.

However, Rheinhardt's personal life is in shambles. He is a recovering alcoholic who struggles with his demons and tries to find meaning in his existence. He meets Geraldine, a woman who has an equally painful past, and they start a relationship that is both passionate and turbulent. Meanwhile, Perkins' Rainey begins to infiltrate WUSA with the goal of using its reach to promote his radical agenda.

As the movie progresses, we see the characters struggling with their beliefs and trying to find their place in society. Rheinhardt discovers that WUSA is not just a radio station but a tool for Farley to manipulate people and orchestrate political events. He has to decide whether to continue working for the station or to rebel against it. Geraldine reveals a shocking secret from her past that changes Rheinhardt's perception of her, and he starts to question their relationship. Perkins' Rainey becomes the voice of the oppressed and the downtrodden but realizes that his methods may lead to violence and destruction.

The film's climax is a powerful and ambiguous sequence that leaves the viewer with more questions than answers. It involves a riot that breaks out in New Orleans, and the characters confront their fears and doubts in a climactic moment of reckoning. What emerges from the chaos is a sense that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope for change and redemption.

WUSA is a thought-provoking movie that deals with complex themes in a nuanced and intelligent way. The performances by Newman, Woodward, and Perkins are outstanding, and the direction by Rosenberg is masterful. The movie's soundtrack, featuring music by Arlo Guthrie, is also noteworthy for its blend of folk and rock influences.

Overall, WUSA is a must-see for anyone interested in political dramas and character-driven stories. It remains relevant today, showing that the struggle for truth and justice is an ongoing one.

WUSA is a 1970 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.