And That Is the Rest of the Story.

Rating: Null/10 (10 February 2006)

In 1953 CBS broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow (an unforgettable turn by David Strathairn) and producer Fred Friendly (George Clooney) decided to take a stand against Wisconsin senator Joseph McCarthy (actual archive footage here) and his witch-hunt against potential Communists in the U.S. Investigative journalism was born here and the events are historically imperative not just for the news field, but for rights of all American citizens. "Good Night, and Good Luck." is another in the long line of critical successes this year that deals with highly complex and difficult subject matter. Clooney is a one-of-a-kind when it comes to directing, but his style is definitely not for all tastes. The picture's tone, flow and look make the viewer feel tense, uncomfortable and claustrophobic. The movie is black and white, but in truth it is gray. It has that 1953 television screen look to it that honestly makes it appear cheap and unrefined. Also smoke is in seemingly every frame. I nearly got lung cancer myself watching as cigarette smoke is prevalent throughout thus we have light gray on a slightly darker gray canvas. Though used by Clooney to prove a point, the style is not easy to watch or adapt to. Supporting players all over the place come and go like they are on a merry-go-round. Frank Langella stands out as a top executive with CBS. Patricia Clarkson and Robert Downey, Jr. deliver distracting parts as closet husband and wife employees (CBS did not allow married couples to work for them during that time). Jeff Daniels, Thomas McCarthy, Tate Donovan and Alex Borstein are also on hand in the venture. Ray Wise's tortured newsman who worries about having his life taken away with past affiliations brings much needed heart, emotion and light to an otherwise dreary and depressing film that nearly never finds its legs. Important story and fascinating production from varying angles and views, "Good Night, and Good Luck." will never find a mainstream appeal with the masses but it still has many positives going for it if you can find them through the clouded screen. 4 stars out of 5.