if only journalist were like Murrow today

Rating: 8/10 (10 January 2006)

The nineteen fifties were a turbulent time for journalism. Senator McCarthy was on a head first conquest to rid America of communists, people of left-wing actions and communist sympathisers; no matter what it took and who it hurt. No one dared stand against McCarthy, fear of being labeled a Communist or sympathisers was to great a deal. On the CBS, one show, See It Now was committed to presenting factual stories to the public. After Edward Murrows presented a story on Milo Radulovich, a serviceman who was discharged on grounds that his farther may have a tainted past. Senator McCarthy attacks Murrows, claiming he has a communist past and still is. Murrows and his producer Fred Friendly finally take the fight to McCarthy, he's been untouched for too long.
Civil liberties and freedom of speech have been a delicate element of human rights. Good Night and Good Luck presents a time when journalism was about the stand for these rights. While many never acted in brash manner as Murrows, yet he and his team were the only ones who fought for the truth. Even with the precognition of being attacked and labeled communists and dangerously controversial, their fight to bring the truth behind McCarthys egomaniac fight to rid so called communists in America, was the most honest work of journalism.
While the film is stamped with the monochromatic look of black and white, the story sings depth beyond doubt. George Clooney having a history in journalism; his father being one, he has knowledgeable depth of the subject. You can tell the subject matter is close to heart, the research can not go unseen, bringing this story with truth and honesty, much in the vain of Murrows. The use of actual footage; Senator McCarthy's rebuttals against Murrows, court cases, interviews with Radulovich and even commercial ads, shoot the realism of Good Night and Good Luck through the roof. All the stock footage is seamlessly blended in from the black and white visual.
Confessions of a Dangerous Mind wasn't really the breakout nor great standout for Clooneys first feature. For Good Night and Good Luck, his focus never falls, with a brilliant screenplay and wonderful direction. His direction has taken a simplistic approach, which it soars for. Your kept at a distant, never taken into peoples lives. At times shots are done through glass or different rooms, giving the reminder that you are just the fly on the wall, not an actual participant. David Strathairn delivers a powerhouse performance as Edward Murrows. Through each deliverance of his speeches, you are locked to him and can't look away. George Clooney brings one of his best performance as Fred Friendly. The supporting cast all deliver great performances; highlights from Patricia Clarkson, Frank Langella and Robert Downey Jr.
While at first this does get stuck in the haze of cigarette smoke from all the actors, after the story on Radulovich, the haze clears and the target of McCarthy is set, for some of the most revetting drama. Good Night and Good Luck shows what journalism used to be, the search for truth. It's a disappointment that journalist today aren't like Murrows.