Review: GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK

Edward R. Murrow: David Strathairn
Fred Friendly: George Clooney
William Paley: Frank Langella
Don Hollenbeck: Ray Wise
Joe Wershba: Robert Downey Jr.
Shirley Wershba: Patricia Clarkson
Sig Mickelson: Jeff Daniels

Directed by: George Clooney
Written by: Clooney and Grant Heslov
Running Time: 93 minutes
Rated: PG

Last week before she flew home, Mom and I had a chance to catch this great movie, which also happens to be one of this year’s Best Picture Nominations, is about CBS journalist Edward R. Murrow’s and his infamous political battle with Sen. Joseph McCarthy over his Communist Witch hunt of the 1950’s. “Good Night And Good Luck” was a fantastic movie, and we both enjoyed what was a very intelligent and today a very important message that I hope those will pay attention to in today’s rather political environment. With the government illegally listening to domestic calls without warrents, and people believing they are above the law when it comes to torture, being held in prision without being charged for anything or even revealing the identity of a covert federal agent… now more than ever people need to be reminded that the government didn’t then and doesn’t now have the authority to stomp all over the bill of rights. Critics of government policy should not remain silent, much like Murrow in the film suggested when he was posting his scathing crtique of McCarthy’s hunt for communits with tactics that were less than admirable.

It’s a bold movie, one that goes out of its way champion Murrow and his gutsy challenge of McCarthy in the name of constitutional rights. I’m sure a lot of people who are into politics and are aware of the similar issues that are going on today with Bush’s illegal wiretaps and other federal over-reaches. It’s a movie that states how important the media is during time such as this and it’s their responsibility to stand up for the people and make sure the government is held in check. Today’s media has failed when it comes to that responsibility, and are basically letting the Bush administration walk all over them. The tame media needs to get it’s teeth back and start doing their jobs. There are scandals right left and center for them to get into, but instead choose to ignore them either out of bribery or political pressure. Bush’s people have been caught actually giving $250,000 to a reporter so that he would go on the air and push their agenda and make it look like it was a good thing. This kind of scandal as well as the administration’s blantant targeting of reporters on the field in Iraq proves that the media needs to be stronger or they will be left out and made irrealavent.

What the movie reminds us is that it takes just one person to stand up and make a stand for not only the media, but also for the poeple. Back in the 50’s, Edward R. Murrow was the person who stood up for civil rights and the right to face one’s accusor. His stand lead to the centure of McCarthy and the end of one of the most gross abuses of government power of that century. Today, we are in need of someone else to make that stand for the people. We need someone to go on the air and finally tell things the way they are. Iraq is a mess, the administration has been lying to us all along about why they went in and that they have been abusing power in the whitehouse and doing illegal activity since day #1. Until that happens, the abuse and torching of the constitution will continue. The 21st Century is still looking for its Murrow, and one can only hope we don’t have to wait too long for someone to step up to the plate and make things happen.

“Good Night And Good Luck” is the second film the be directed by George Clooney. Much like his previous film, another brilliant film titled “Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind”… Clooney is in top form and proves he will be a great director of our time, and it’s only a matter of time before he starts collecting Oscars for his directing. I think Ang Lee will get it this year, but Clooney will get his dues eventually. The film also benefits from an amazing ensamble of actors who just shine. David Strathairn was a bold choice for Murrow and he just owns the film as you hang of every word that comes from him. He’s captures the character perfectly and stands out in a sea of great actors. A very deserving best actor nomination. Clooney, Downey Jr and Daniels are also as impressive as they all make valuable contributions to a great story. I also thought it was rather interesting that they used real life footage of McCarthy rather than hire an actor to portray the Senator. I guess one reason for doing this is that no one can ever claim they were trying to demonize McCarthy by making him look no better or worse than he did when captured on screen in the 50’s. The film is shot in black and white, and looks like a sleek film noir as we have the classic homage as it’s based on a time that was over half a century ago.

Overall, “Good Night, And Good Luck” is a bold and very intellgent movie that asks the questions that need to be asked right now. How far is too far when trying to fight for freedom and democracy? How far should we allow the government to go before making a stand for individual rights? A daring theme that gives the people something to chew on, as refusing to acknowledge history dooms us to repeat it. I loved this film from start to finish and recommend it to anyone who wants to watch something smart and fresh rather than movies about big apes and talking animals. Clearly an Oscar favorite for a reason, this is one of the best movies to come out of 2005. One worth checking out…

Rating: 10 (Out of 10)

“We cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home…”
– Edward R. Murrow