A great film, but an acquired taste

Rating: 8/10 (22 February 2006)

The last Best Picture nominee for me to view for the year, and while it does not disappoint, it is not on par with some of the other films nominated.
George Clooney has officially become more than a pretty face. The entire construct of the movie is excellent, and I'm glad that Clooney has reaped some of the benefits that have come from it. The cinematography is utterly fantastic, and the entire storyline is fascinating (from a future journalist's point-of-view). David Strathairn is perfect as Murrow, and the rest of the supporting cast is spot-on, even if they get very little screen-time to chew (as is the case with poor Robert Downey Jr.).
The entire dramatized fight between Murrow and McCarthy, and everything leading up to it, is done very well, and the excellent use of black and white photography just makes it all the more better. I had never liked black and white films before, but as I keep seeing movies like this, I wish it was used more often. It looks just gorgeous for the time period, and adds to the authenticity. The use of the actual footage from the trials is also, a really good touch.
Although there is a bit too much smoking going out throughout the entire film (maybe one or two people don't light up at one point or another), it only adds to the beautiful imagery and photography of the picture. Plus, Clooney makes up for it with the humorous advertisements seen within the film.
If there is anything wrong with the movie, its that the entire thing seems a bit dry. Everything is authentic, but the fact that a modern audience would not be as captivated as a 1950s audience would leaves a lot to be said for the film. The first hour moves along fairly briskly, but then the last 30 minutes just drags on. It's nowhere near as boring as the likes of Capote, but there is still a lot to be said for the fact that it tumbles a bit just as its peaking.
A great movie, but an acquired taste is needed in order to find any enjoyment from it. George Clooney may get passed this year for everything he did with this film (maybe not for Syriana), but if he keeps up making films like this, Oscar will surely come knocking soon enough.
8/10.