Only 12 Minutes In and I'm Completely Impressed

Rating: 9/10 (11 May 2010)

I've just barely gotten into it but already the very clever script, sensational soundtrack, and gorgeous visuals have won me over. The contemporary use of black and white in films is often a cue that something sincere and artful is being attempted, and within moments of it's opening frame I was reassured that my critical attention would be rewarded. As Sig Mickelson (Jeff Daniels) is introducing Edward R. Murrow (David Strathairn) to a banquet room of elegantly attired news media elite, the camera settles on the off stage shadowed profile of the acclaimed newsman, his head bowed slightly, the intensity of his mood made evident by the back lit dragon breath cigarette smoke streaming from his nostrils and mouth. This transcendent moment establishes a quality that bodes well for the remainder of the film, and sets a lofty standard to which all films should aspire. Magically, I was made to predict - to understand - exactly what it was that Murrow was about to proclaim to, and stun, the attentive audience; my own powers of reason and intuition had been expertly recruited as sympathetic combatants in this symbolic war of ideals. I have just experienced cinematic poetry of the highest order that could very possibly be mistaken for extremely subtle propaganda. Or vise versa! Bravo, Grant Heslov and George Clooney for brandishing the double edged sword of paradox. I have just been graciously reassured that this stylish tale will in no way be an unremarkable obvious cliché.
Esthetically, George Clooney as Fred Friendly is certainly a bit of a stretch, but so far he's convincing as Murrow's similarly principled co-conspirator. I've just been introduced to Robert Downey Jr.'s and Patricia Clarkson's characters and they're sensational, and I look forward to seeing more of their nuanced performances. Frank Langella as William Paley, the burdened head of network, is the epitome of restrained arrogance. And Ray Wise as the ill fated Don Hollenbeck has just made his first appearance with his usual inspired excellence. Can this get any better?
I'm now going to resume watching, confident that the ensuing historical recreation/fictional contrivance is the product of enlightened, inspired, sensitive, generous, and talented minds. That's a great way to feel at the beginning of a movie, and it's the only way to be when confronting what might be art. If the remainder of the film somehow fails to fulfill the high promise of these initial scenes, I will be thoroughly shocked. In fact, I'm more than confident that I won't be returning here to this comment later to correct the following statement. This is one of the finest films I have experienced in many, many years, and is equaled by a scant few in this twenty first century. No doubt, I'll be watching and enjoying this very fine film more than once.