 However, Dunaway believed it was "one of the most important female roles to come along in years" and went along with Chayevsky's conception and director Sidney Lumet's warning that she would not be allowed to sneak in any weeping or softness, and that it would remain on the cutting room floor if she did.The film, a success in its own day, is frequently discussed today due to its almost prophetic take on the television industry.Dunaway's performance was lauded, with Vincent Canby of "The New York Times" saying that she "in particular, is successful in making touching and funny a woman of psychopathic ambition and lack of feeling".