George Clooney's labor of love

Rating: 8/10 (16 September 2005)

Saw it last week at the post-communist party convention in Milan. No other place could be more proper... Its main points of interest lie in the tight screenplay and in the '50 TV drama style atmosphere, helped by a very neat b/w cinematography. Late Paddy Chayefsky would have been proud of it.Reminded me a lot of a 1956 movie called PATTERNS, written by Rod "Twilight Zone" Serling. David Strathairn as journalist Edward Murrow gives a terrific performance; his character is very dry and controlled, his eyes the only way to let his inner emotions out. His speech at the beginning and at the end of the movie, it's clearly intended to touch the audience consciences about the dangerous times we are living nowadays. There's a lot of dialog, some of the best lines are spoken by Frank Langella as William Paley, CBS executive. Only little disappointment is the way they used Patricia Clarkson talent. Her character is out of focus and seems to me it serves to lighten the main story, supporting a sub-plot that only releases the tension of the whole thing when comes around.
Anyway, worth to see, if only to understand how political paroxysm can ruins people lives.
A very, very liberal piece of cinema, could have something to say at the next Oscars night.
Well, good night, and good luck...