Good Night, and Good Luck

**** Stars
Starring: David Strathairn, George Clooney, Robert Downey Jr

Directed by: George Clooney

Nothing Short of Genius

"This instrument [journalism] can teach, it can illuminate; yes, and it can even inspire, but it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise it is merely wires and lights in a box.”
-Edward Murrow


The world of news has expanded since 1954, the year of the Murrow McCarthy hearings. America trusted Edward Murrow, the host of weekly news program “See it Now”. There was more to news then just celebrity gossip. Good Night, and Good Luck completely re-masters the excitement and horror of life in the CBS newsroom in the 50’s.

David Strathairn plays the famous Edward Murrow in a bold, and star-making performance. He presents Murrow with confidence and intelligence as he sits and speaks to the public, with his notes in one hand, and his famous cigarette in the other. Director and co-screenwriter George Clooney also stars in his own masterpiece as Fred Friendly, Murrow’s right hand man. During each one of Murrow’s broadcasts, Friendly sat just two feet below him, tapping Murrow’s right leg with his pen when his cue was up. Together, they set a precedent for television media and how corruption and lies were taking down America. Their biggest event was their accusation against Wisconsin Senator Joseph McCarthy and his lies against communists infiltrating the country. Murrow tells the world as it is, without blasphemy and without being fully biased. His tone is pure and his words are sweet, filled exuberant life and sorrow. And Strathairn delivers and reminds us who Murrow truly was.

To spice up the film, Clooney cuts from newsroom footage to singer Dianne Reeves, giving the film a jazzy and mysterious tone. He gives us ninety minutes. Ninety minutes of entertaining, intelligent, and important true events. Well done George. Well done.

Writers Clooney and Grant Heslow have put together a truly sensational piece of work that captures beauty, excitement, and terror of the news. It reminds us of a life-altering event that is underrated throughout the world and should be taught in every classroom around the nation. The film is sophisticated and has an enormous sense of style. It brings us back to the days where everyone smoked, trusted the media, and lied to get ahead. This is one of the year’s best films.