One of 2005's best!

Rating: 9/10 (21 January 2006)

An extraordinary movie, made even better by the brilliant direction of George Clooney and the note perfect casting of David Straithern, Patricia Clarkson, Robert Downey, Jeff Daniels and Dianne Reeves. By now everyone knows the story of Edward R. Murrow going after Joseph McCarthy in the communist witch-hunting years in the 1950s. Intercut throughout is actual documentary footage of McCarthy. Making the film all the more believable is the wonderful use of black and white cinematography which captures the era (cigarettes just about everywhere, stiff hairdo's and shirts, ties and pin-stripe suits). It takes you right in to the in-your-face courage of Edward R. Murrow and his fearless attack on McCarthy which helped expedite the downfall of the latter. Would that we would have such courage in a major news-caster/reporter today. Faultless performances by all including Langella's depiction of William Paley, waffling on his support of Murrow. A must see. 9 out of 10.