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Good Night, And Good Luck. (2005)
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Movie Review by Kathleen 
October 4th, 2005
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Writer and director George Clooney's film GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK recounts several months in the early 1950's when CBS newsman Edward R. Murrow (played by David Strathairn) took on Senator Joseph McCarthy's red scare. At a time when every politician and reporter ran and hid rather than risk being labeled a Communist, Ed Murrow stepped up and exhorted the world to open their eyes. Not content with simply chastising the senator, he also took to task the media who neglected their duty to report the truth, and the American people who succumbed to complacency.
This was a terrifying episode in American history, a shining moment for journalism, and a cautionary tale everyone should know. Decent writing, a great soundtrack, historically accurate 50's-era décor and fashion, and a good fast pace are the sugar-coating that will make this lesson go down easy. Strathairn's performance is flawless and Clooney's (as Murrow's producer, Fred Friendly) is quite good. Ray Wise, as ruined reporter Dan Hollenbeck, is excellent. His tragic story confirms for the audience the unspeakable damage done by Sen. McCarthy. Like Oliver Stone's JFK, this film made good use of the cinematic medium and with any luck, will be seen by every American.
While there were many strong points to this movie, its great value as a tool is unfortunately not matched by its overall quality. Within the first few minutes, you're chastised for your laziness and complacency. (While it's true that we're lazy and complacent, it's startling to hear, especially if you walk in expecting clear-cut heroes and villains.) A pointless subplot about Shirley and Joe Wershba's illicit office marriage slows everything down. (The lovers are played by 40-year old Robert Downey, Jr, and Patricia Clarkson, age 46-- an inversion of the usual May- December romances we get from Hollywood.)
Heavy-handed symbolism will be perfect for grammar school audiences ("Class, can anyone tell me what the director meant when he showed everyone holding a cigarette? Anyone?") but more sophisticated viewers will find it exasperating. For example, the otherwise excellent soundtrack is distracting in its obviousness: "I've Got My Eyes On You" cues up as soon as we learn McCarthy plans to investigate Murrow's own political past. Come ON.
Despite its flaws, this is an important film, and a very good film. Everyone should see it and take its lesson to heart.
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