Copyright 2005 Warner Independent.
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I wasn’t completly sure of the plot of this film, especially since I have never heard of Edward R. Murrow or Fred Friendly, and surprisingly Joseph McCarthy. I have learned that Communism was a frightening issue during the 1950s and we, as Americans feared that this belief system threatened our American Empire.

Though unfortunately, people fear for themselves and accuse others of being involved in communistic activites. This was the case of Senator Joseph McCarthy who wrongly accused broadcast journalist, Edward Murrow, as well as many employees currently working at CBS. This film is based on a true story and a holds important history many of us overlook or have never taken time to look at.

Edward Murrow (David Strathairn) a broadcast journalist at a leading TV station, called CBS (the same we are still familiar with today) and his producer, Fred Friendly (George Clooney) investigate some interesting happenings. Obviously communism is on everyones mind and many people treat it like the end of the world.

Senator Joseph McCarthy (archive footage) has callously been persecuting those who spoke out against his views and ideas against communism, he himself calling them communists or accusing them of being involved with the party in some way.

Murrow speaks out over the broadcast system about what the corrupt Senator has been doing. As expected, McCarthy attacks Murrow and CBS in being Communists or having some involvment of any kind in the part. Throughout the film, the studio debates on what needs to be done, whether to stop what they are doing and move Murrow on their schedule or to bring down McCarthy through the weapon of journalism. William Paley (Frank Langella), his boss is the one who debates this with Murrow. Some other current issues are brought fourth, one of which is marriage in the work place in which Robert Downey, Jr. and Patricia Clarkson are caught in a bind.

George Clooney not only acted in this film but also directed it. In many of other movies, I don’t think of George Clooney of a much of an actor. I don’t think he is bad, but I don’t think he is great. He is just there, in movies. When it comes to directing, he seems to excel, he directed another film called Confessions of A Dangerous Mind.

The film itself is shot in black and white, which is certainly blends well with the topic as well as the original broadcasts being aired in black and white. This generates a lot of realism in the film as well as how George Clooney displays his creativity as a journalistic historian (his father was a broadcast journalist).

David Strathairn acts well as a stressed broadcast journalist, and this being one of the most stressed of all, he is certaintly credible in how he performs. George Clooney gives us something gives us an acceptable performance, but his fantastic directing and cinematography is what really does it for this film.

Joseph McCarthy, as I have mentioned before, does not show up in this film played by an actor. Instead of someone playing the corrupt senator, they use the original horrific footage of him assaulting many, as well as Murrow and CBS. I think this really adds to the whole tension of the idea that this happened. You must think, this really was a man and he was doing these sort of things to people and ruining their lives because of it.

Clooney’s directing is easily an achievment and stands out proudly from his previous work. His use of black and white as well as many close side-face shots add to the authenticity of the feel of the time and suspense the film gives off, even though everyone is just sitting around smoking. Strathairn is an accomplished actor and this is easily another nod-worthy notch in his career belt. This film is up for I believe six oscars and I believe it has a shot at quite a few of them. In this film we learn that it is important to falsely accuse, but investigate the truth and use that destroy the lies our enemies feed from. Good Night, And Good Luck.

Rated PG for mild thematic elements and brief language. (A lot of cigarrette use too). Running time 93 mins.