Back to the future, with a metaphor for American politics that is still running...

Rating: 9/10 (10 September 2006)

This is movie that many in the USA would find hard to take, or even to pay money to see.
In the first place, it's the sort of story that most Americans would probably find unpalatable: not only is it about an episode in American history that is still a blot on the essence of democracy anywhere, it's a stark parallel with some of the more dubious practices of the current Bush administration about which most are familiar. Of course, history from around the world is full of corrupt politics and politicians; so many Americans are no doubt aware that they are not alone, in that regard.
In addition, it iswella purely political story and, these days, not too many cinema-goers and DVD buyers are interested in politics, especially politics from the 1950s.
And that's a real shame because, politics aside, it's an extremely detailed and well-produced film. The period sets are exquisite; the jazz music is great; the dialog is spot on; the acting is superb and the seamless use of actual footage of the senate hearings, with the late Joseph McCarthy, is eerily real. Over the years, I'd seen a number of documentaries that featured the senator, but this is out of this world (no pun intended). And, the use of black and white photography simply made it all the better.
It's not a movie for action fans, for romantics, those who want thrillers, or the comedian in you. This is drama of the highest order, although there are some great wisecracks between Clooney (as Fred Friendly) and Strathairn (as Ed Murrow); but, you have to listen carefully, or you'll miss 'em.
Although it did poorly at the Oscars (not unexpected, I would imagine) it's a credit to the producers, the director and the actors that this movie was completed and shown around the world. I just hope that Hollywood is able to continue to present such quality cinema during these trying times for the USA and the rest of the world.