Horrible

Rating: 2/10 (8 November 2005)

This film's thesis, that the media has grown cowardly, is disproven easily by the publicity brought to the film. In addition, Murrow's behavior throughout reeks of bias, including taking rejection of McCarthy's case as justification not to report it, while even saying how intelligent his audience was. If his audience was so intelligent, why wouldn't they be able to see how bad McCarthy was if Murrow presented the case? Clooney takes these accusations and throws them out the window as disguised attempts to give McCarthy preference. Also, aside from a single, brief rebuttal broadcast, McCarthy's side is given no opportunity to defend themselves as they are sent through the meat grinder. Not only this, but Murrow encourages his co-workers not to read columns criticizing them. One scene consists of the various workers at a newsroom debating how best to attack McCarthy. Yes, historical fact, but Clooney not only does not acknowledge this as a flaw, but he glorifies Murrow for it! Furthermore, Clooney shouldn't have given himself such a prominent role; it detracts from the main plot through distraction. I'm a chest-beating right-wing idiot from Massachusetts, and frankly, this film was terrible! (I give it a 2 because, while I cannot find any redeeming value aside from a few moments of comic relief, I reserve a 1 for truly, truly horrible films.)