Good Night, and Good Movie

Rating: 9/10 (18 June 2007)

We cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home." -A thought that resonates true throughout, director and star, George Clooney's latest gem, Good Night, & Good Luck. Starring David Strathairn with a near perfect performance of the legendary Ed Murrow, Good Night, & Good Luck takes a behind-the-scenes look at Broadcast Journalism's most memorable battle: Edward Murrow vs. Senator Joseph McCarthy. Viewers may find polishing up their American History knowledge of the 1950's Red Scare beneficial, but note this-- Good Night, & Good Luck's screen play, written by Grant Heslov, follows the events in remarkable accuracy stimulating those old memories of 11th grade history class (7th period while desperately trying to stay awake) allowing any viewer to follow along. But Good Night, & Good Luck is anything but a history lesson. The film portrays the fast paced exciting moments of live television, and with the advantage of hindsight Clooney could make a protagonist out of Murrow and his team (featuring the notable Clooney as Fred Freidnly, Robert Donwey Jr as Joe Wershba, and Jeff Daniels as Sig Mickelson). The film samples real footage from the Communist hearings and the rebuttal Sen McCarthy gives on Murrow's show. It leaves a genuine feeling, even a sense of patriotism, when Murrow heroically stands up for his country and the people being bullied by McCarthy. Another mentionable performance was by Ray Wise in his portrayal of the sad, and the slow deterioration of Don Hollenbeck. Hollenbeck committed suicide during the weeks of the CBS quarrel with Sen McCarthy. With Good Night, & Good Luck's undeniable charm, timeliness with current political deception, and quick intelligent wit, Ed Murrow and the gang of CBS moguls may help restore a little faith back in the liberal media.