Brilliant, engaging, dramatic snapshot of Edward R. Murrow in late 50's

Rating: 10/10 (9 November 2005)

I wasn't aware of the role Edward R. Murrow had played in the evolution of radio and television news and editorial work, and the powerful impact his courageous work had on balancing the nation's sanity in the McCarthy era. Chillingly, I also see that the more things change, the more they stay the same. The political and economic forces that compete to drive the programming on the TV broadcasts are still at it, and even more powerful than they were back then. The politics of fear and repression (if you're agin me, you must be a traitor) are still being used today to silence and intimidate those who are not in power. And yet, what a hopeful light is shone: a small group of broadcasters put their careers on the line and stood up in favor of the constitutional guarantees of free speech and due process of law. We CAN do this today, and because of the courageous work of Murrow, Friendly and their team in the 50's, we can speak out with little fear of recrimination. I love that we have the right to live passionately in this country. With all our troubles, we still have the freedom to debate and discuss. Thank God for Edward R. Murrow and his team. I would recommend this film as required viewing for all aspiring journalists, broadcasters, law students and political scientists. Gorgeous David Strathairn did an amazing job, as usual. I have admired him for years for his work in films as varied as Dolores Claiborne, The Firm, Memphis Belle and A League of Their Own. He adopted the body language and speaking style of Murrow most convincingly. George Clooney directed this masterpiece, as well as portraying Fred Friendly as an amiable and effective producer. One of the most brilliant aspects of the structure of this picture was the interplay of jazz standards performed by the brilliant Dianne Reeves, who brought me to tears on more than one occasion. Presented in their time period, the lyrics suddenly took on an entirely new meaning to me. Snippets of social commentary sung to the sounds of clinking whiskey glasses, through plumes of ubiquitous cigarette smoke. I do appreciate our "No Smoking" workplaces of today, I can tell you that! GREAT job. Everyone must see this film right now.