Good Night, and Good Luck.

Starring: David Strathairn, George Clooney, Robert Downey, Jr., Patricia Clarkson, Jeff Daniels, Tate Donovan, Tom McCarthy, Ray Wise, Robert Knepper, Frank Langella
Directed by: George Clooney
Genre: Drama
Rating: PG
2005

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: CBS Newscaster Edward R. Murrow (David Strathairn) decides to risk everything and confront Wisconsin Senator Joseph McCarthy for his anti-communist witch hunt in the early 1950s.

Review:

Tim: George Clooney set out to tell a brave little story about journalism, patriotism, and courage. This is not an incredibly powerful or life-changing film, but an interesting, important movie. It stands out in a crowded catalog as a film that has something to say, especially relevant in the years following 9/11, the corporate scandals, and lack of real journalism.

David Strathairn is fantastic as Murrow. He has been such a good actor for so many years and he is able to showcase his talent here. I feel so incredibly happy for him to have landed this role, and then went at it with everything he had. He is extremely impressive in the role. George Clooney does an outstanding job behind the camera, but is also quite good in his supporting role on screen. He interacts quite well with Strathairn, and some of the best scenes involve these two men. The supporting cast (sans Clooney) isn't that spectacular. Robert Downey, Jr., Patricia Arquette, and Jeff Daniels just can't really do anything that interests us. This is a two man show (three if you include the stock footage of McCarthy), and only one if you look purely at how much this film relies on Strathairn.

Good Night, and Good Luck. is a small story that has huge repercussions. It is a timely and important movie, and one that you would be better off after seeing. It might not be at the top of your "To See" list, but the film is well worth your time. While I wouldn't want all movies to be like this (I love my explosion-filled blockbusters), this type of film is extremely important to see now and again. Bravo, George Clooney.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 8.5


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