GOOD NIGHT & GOOD LUCK : Ambitious, Respectable, & Quite Disappointing...

Rating: 6/10 (24 February 2006)

GOOD NIGHT & GOOD LUCK
Wow what a disappointment. GOOD NIGHT & GOOD LUCK was the last film of the Best Picture nominees that I had to see, and it was my last chance to see a nominee that I could truly, passionately admire. Unfortunately, GOOD NIGHT & GOOD LUCK was nowhere close to my favorite film of the year.
I can admire some elements of GN&GL, and it's definitely a well-crafted film. It is beautifully shot with possibly the best ensemble cast I've seen in a film this year. George Clooney has combined the visual style of his film and the emotional lives of his ensemble to create a beautifully naturalistic world.
This ensemble really mingles like people living their lives. It doesn't read like a bunch of actors performing opposite each other, there was a genuine sense of camaraderie, respect, and individualism that naturally exuded from the group scenes. These were probably the highlights of the film for me.
The film focuses on Edward R. Murrow, played with incredible nuanced restraint and subtlety by David Strathairn. His mission and work are the only parts of his character we ever gain insight to, and David Strathairn plays it all to a tee.
However, aside from some great performances, a wonderful visual style, and a couple exciting moments... GN&GL didn't even feel like a movie to me.
While I did find it's brisk running time to be a good asset, the way that running time was utilized left me confused. It seemed that only an hour of this film was actually a movie. The other half-hour consisted of documentary footage and silent montages set to period music. It seemed like so much time was wasted in creating a mood and getting the facts out that the actual people in the newsroom because an afterthought.
While I admire a director who refuses to follow certain Hollywood "rules" in storytelling, Clooney's method of minimalization just didn't work for me. In the same way that Spielberg's MUNICH was hurt by it's "neutral" stance... Clooney's film is hurt by it's "minimalistic & neutral" stance. It never gives enough insight into the characters and therefore never gives their story much emotional heft.
When I left the theatre, I felt like I was stupid for not really appreciatting the movie. As if, b/c I didn't really get into the story, I must just be too inexperienced and unfamiliar with the story behind McCarthy to really get the film.
Maybe that is the case, and I certainly think if I was more familiar with the McCarthy era I would have found the film more interesting. But it seems Clooney directed this movie with only the people who knew this era as his intended audience. However, for me and my tastes the film felt empty... and the ending completely anti-climatic.
GOOD NIGHT & GOOD LUCK is an effort I respect, but also one that I truly didn't appreciatte or enjoy.
... C ...