"Good Night" is really Good

Rating: 9/10 (11 November 2006)

PRE Oscars REVIEW: This is the most important film I have seen this year by far. Never have I seen a story so masterfully told and focuses solely on the issue and not around the irrelevant events that surround the issues. The true light to the film is George Clooney's beautiful direction of the story of Edward R. Murrow. Clooney truly has as an eye for film-making and he certainly stretches out his legs here and shows some true talent. Clooney has the ability to go the way of Mel Gibson, Kevin Costner, and Clint Eastwood and make his way to the shortlist for his very intelligent writing, his beloved acting and masterful directing. He may find his way more likely in directing and writing than his acting. Clooney played Fred Friendly great but it definitely wasn't one of the best of the year. Better luck with "Syriana" if he wants to get in for acting.
The screenplay for GN & GL was so intelligent that it kept you intrigued the entire time. Not only is the movie very good but it speaks directly to us and by us I mean Americans today about many issues that we choose to forget about. Along with Grant Heslov, the co-writer with Clooney they have a real shot at some gold here. It is pretty much already known that "Crash" is the early frontrunner and favorite for the original screenplay win but this will give it a run for the money David Strathairn gives a mind to pen to life performance. He plays Edward R. Murrow to the T and his hard work hopefully will not go unrecognized. The only problem with the performance is the performance that goes with the story itself which isn't the fault of the writer or the actor but just the way events occurred. They never show Murrow in his house or outside the NBC studio in fact so we never get to see the "human" side of Murrow. Strathairn plays the part professionally and keeps it there. Maybe if Strathairn showed a bit of a tear drop or make a fist with anger could he seal his nomination. I see him grabbing a critics award or two but Oscar will have to wait for another time and movie to award this actor. Strathairn is the standout of the film but doesn't stand alone.
The supporting cast is magnificent. Clooney as stated before gives a one-two punch performance along with Frank Langella whom Sasha Stone has on her site as a possible contender for supporting actor. And it makes sense; veteran actor, never nominated, a legend to some, and underrated. The time might be right. Patricia Clarkson, Robert Downey, Jr., and Jeff Daniels also give great supporting performances but they lack that "one scene" that could get them to the short list. Daniels still has "The Squid and the Whale", Downey, Jr. has "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" and Clarkson had "All the Kings Men" but now will have to wait on the reaction to "The Dying Gaul" which I think isn't the film that will do it.
Oscar predictions include a good bet for Best Picture with a leading actor nomination for David Strathairn. A supporting nod for Langella is in order if academy voters love it and want to acknowledge the veteran actor. I say Clooney has a 75/25 chance on a double nomination in screenplay and directing. He might just have the director's lone spot of the year. (lone spot means director nomination but not best picture nod) And one or two technical category nods including cinematography, film editing, and maybe even a costume design.
Congratulations to the cast and crew for a terrific job on one of the best films of the year. You can bet this will be in my top 10 list at the end of the year. Good Night, and Good Luck folks.
Grade: ***1/2/****