Not for a careless viewer. In terms of politics and history of course.

Rating: 8/10 (24 April 2006)

George Clooney's second fully-length feature takes on a past but remarkably present theme of protecting the civil liberties in an otherwise democratic state. We see him perform the role of a CBS producer Frank Friendly who worked on the early 1950's show, hosted by Edward R. Murrow. Murrow was a broadcast journalist on CBS and an open critic of the internal politics of that time's senator, Joseph McCarthy. He made history with his approximately half an hour long show in which he aired his thoughts on the senator's stands on communism. He also reported about the otherwise obscure stories of civil liberty violations that were a result of the senator's activities.
I was stunned by Murrow's prefatory speech that happened a few years after his bold activity on CBS. Talking about the obvious but strangely concealed always sounds stunning when it comes from people of his type. David Strathairn gave an incredible performance and made me wish to see more of these kind of shows where a cigarette smoking commentator provokes your thoughts on the up-to-date topics.
Seeing it in black&white makes the film feel more unbiased. Overall, people who see movies for sheer entertainment and who are more or less unaware of past and present events in politics don't need my warning. Like some movies, this one doesn't market itself like it's something else than what it is, meaning that it's pretty much what you might expect but well executed. It's a small possibility that the 'wrong' kind of viewer will see it. It can seem boring at times but it was worth the attention because of Murrow's lucid and consistent criticism. Good night, and good luck.
........ 4/5 ........