Absolutely Brilliant

Rating: 9/10 (9 March 2006)

In the year of the so-called "socially important" film, this one stands out as both technically brilliant and frighteningly prescient. Clooney details the ominous warning that Murrow presents in the film--that pop culture and ratings could ultimately reduce news divisions, particularly editorials, to nothing but meaningless entertainment. Though set in 1953, it is terrifying that Murrow's warning has most certainly come to pass. Where are the Murrow's of modern-day CBS, NBC, FOXNEWS, etc.? Why are anchors no longer allowed to editorialize? Why does the American public expect the news to be not only banal, but trivial and "safe?" This film should be viewed by everyone who places faith in the reporting of CNN, ABC, or any other news division. I, for one, cannot trust any of them anymore. Clooney's film is not the reason for this, but simply articulates a notion I have had for many years. A spectacular and important film.