An eloquent reminder

Rating: 9/10 (26 November 2005)

One thing that impresses me about George Clooney as an actor who is also a director is his two films where clearly NOT created as a means of showcasing a monumental ego as Redford, Beatty, and Eastwood did. Clooney's characters in both films are there to both figuratively and literally support the lead character, in this case very convincingly portrayed by David Strathairn. That alone convinces me that the focus here was on making a truly great film, and that is exactly what old George has done.
He has assembled a wonderful cast. Besides Strathairn, Frank Langella gives a good performance as Bill Paley who is torn between siding with his boys in the newsroom and his job as the head of the network. Other actors like Robert Downey, Jr. lend able support.
Clooney's artistry makes us feel as though we are in the studio and the office with Murrow participating in these events as they unfold. The questions about whether everything as far as the set, the clothing, and other things here and there are completely historically accurate makes no difference. I was more interested in the action unfolding to notice or care about those things. His choices in film techniques do an excellent job setting the mood.
I thank Mr. Clooney for this eloquent reminder about what journalism should be.