Parody based upon The Crucible

Rating: 7/10 (10 February 2006)

This film is a must see for anyone who enjoyed "The Crucible", the 1967 parody of McCarthy which was based upon the story of the Salem Witch Trials. "Good Night, and Good Luck" is instead a parody of modern journalism using the story of the battle against McCarthy, and it has clear similarities to "The Crucible". The film is subtle, and unless you have seen other films to which it refers it is possible to watch "Good Night, and Good Luck" without appreciating the hidden message. The film highlights the way that the news broadcast by modern news organizations is influenced by their corporate sponsors, and the film controversially implies that nowadays the corporations and military are trying to directly control what is shown in the media (through the advertising dollars which pay for news broadcasts) and through lobbying to control the actions of the government in favor of large corporations and against smaller players. The film refers to "our European allies" being in shock at the way the freedom of expression of the US news media is being controlled. The film suggests that their is hope that some journalists should stand up to the corporations that pay the salaries of the newsmen, and should openly report on corporate influence in news reporting.