Good Night, and Good Luck
Posted by Brian C. Gibson (brian@filmschoolrejects.com) on March 14, 2006
Release Date: March 14, 2006
A film shown in black and white, set in the 1950’s, and primarily with a subject matter concerning the birth of television news journalism would usually be considered boring. Except in this film, George Clooney’s homage to truth and accuracy in the mass media provides an experience that can be considered anything but boring.
One of this years Oscar gems, Good Night, and Good Luck brings the world the inside story into one of the most intriguing media controversies in American History. It is the story of broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow and his producer, Fred Friendly. In the early 1950’s senator Joseph McCarthy of Wisconsin began his witch hunt to expose the roots of Communism that he believed existed in the United States. His tactics included the use of intimidation and loose interpretation of the law. His parade of anti-communist sentiment was successful in exploiting the fears of the American people until the day that CBS reporter Murrow (David Strathairn) and Producer Friendly (George Clooney) decided to risk it all in order to bring light to the American people as to the undue prejudice that McCarthy was bringing on innocent Americans. What followed was one of the most explosive media controversies in history, and this is its story.
This plot of Good Night, and Good Luck takes us through the early days of the resistance to McCarthyism that is put up by Murrow on his CBS show. The story is a steadily paced homage to a very monumental time in the history of broadcast journalism. From the beginning of Murrow’s journey of resistance to the most tense days of his battle with the over-the-top Senator from Wisconsin, this film exudes the calm, collected, and steadfast resolve embodied by its lead character. A smooth and moody soundtrack very expertly separates the key moments of dialogue in a way that gives the movie a very tasteful and classy rhythm.
When watching this film, I can not help but wonder about how frightening that era must have been. Joseph McCarthy ruined the lives and careers of many people including Hollywood Actors and Actresses. Murrow’s bold statements and search for truth and justice are inspiring considering the amount of fear and pressure that surrounded the subject. The film’s writing, filming, and directing were nearly flawless but the subject matter isn’t exactly exhilarating. The average movie-goer just might not care about this era or how important the events were.
Black and white throughout, the film’s video transfer is pristine. The lighting and cinematography are reminiscent to the B&W beauty of Schindler’s List. The audio of the film is almost entirely dialogue with the exception of some jazzy transitions throughout the film. Clooney transitions from point to point in the film with a Jazz band performing as a backdrop, providing a helpful nudge for the audience. The one feature showcased on this DVD is a special that shows some of the real people or their relatives that were involved in the actual historical events. The feature discusses how Murrow felt about the direction of journalism because of the progression or digression of television media. It is very informative and poses the question, “is the information in the report inaccurately portrayed to cater to the best interests of the network, reporter, or a politician?â€
This is a great film about a hostile time in our country. The film is informative and entertaining to anyone with an open mind to a historical biopic. A great addition to any movie lover’s collection, but short on the explosions or loud soundtrack that usually anchors a DVD in the mainstream.
The Upside:
Amazing cinematography and lighting, a visual achievement.
The Downside:
The average movie-goer just might not be interested…at all.
On the Side:
During test screenings, audience members felt that the McCarthy character was overacting a bit, not realizing that it was the actual McCarthy through archive footage.
Making the Grade:
The Film: B
The Delivery: B
The Extras: B
Overall: B
Click Here to buy Good Night, and Good Luck from Amazon.com
Technorati: DVD Review, Movie, Film, Cinema, Entertainment, Netflix, Hollywood, Oscar
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