Preview screening in Seattle was excellent

Rating: 10/10 (27 September 2005)

I got to see this movie as a preview screening and was especially impressed with David Strathairn, whose work I have always liked, and who was present at the screening to answer questions. He really BECAME Edward R. Murrow. If you haven't seen this film... go see it! It's very understated, the black and white cinematography and set design are classy and the direction is excellent. I was also fairly impressed with Clooney's script. The dialog in this movie is very sharp and funny in the right places.
Although I think some people will more than likely try to pin certain political tags on this movie, I think it accomplished something that goes beyond politics. In the end, I think the movie is not about Senator McCarthy, but about the tenacity, intelligence and wisdom of Murrow, and about the message he was trying to send us in 1953. Let's hope this movie helps us to inspire journalism that transcends its mere use as a political foil.
Above all, I think this movie is a fitting tribute to someone who was there for this country in one of its darkest hours.
"We cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home." - Edward R. Murrow
"We cannot make good news out of bad practice." - Edward R. Murrow