Review of Good Night, and Good Luck. (2005) by Alexander C — 07 Dec 2012

''To those who say people wouldn't look; they wouldn't be interested; they're too complacent, indifferent and insulated, I can only reply: There is, in one reporter's opinion, considerable evidence against that contention. But even if they are right, what have they got to lose? Because if they are right, and this instrument is good for nothing but to entertain, amuse and insulate, then the tube is flickering now and we will soon see that the whole struggle is lost. This instrument 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. Good night, and good luck.''.

Broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow looks to bring down Senator Joseph McCarthy.

David Strathairn: Edward R. Murrow.

Robert Downey Jr.: Joe Wershba.

George Clooney: Fred Friendly.

George Clooney pays tribute to justice, truth, decency and the side of good and right amid distrust and discontent in the Communist witchhunts with his study' of it's greatest hero, the heroic News-Man, Edward R. Murrow, in Good Night, and Good Luck.

The cinematography by Robert Elswit (Magnolia) is crisp and starkly lit in black and white to evoke the past. The production design and costumes are consistent with the period. Just the sight of newsmen typing on old style typewriters or production assistants carrying around film reels instead of videotape or discs is detailed 100%. The editing by Stephen Mirrione (Traffic, 21 Grams) is well paced drenched in story. At times the studio broadcasts of a female blues singer bridges various sequences in theme and mood. The broadcast of a live network news program is merged with realism, the frenzy and excitement that only live television could sate.

It was interesting to see that his was not a perfect career having to mix watery showbiz interviews with such personalities as Liberace on his Person-to-Person show with legitimate news reports. At 93 minutes, the film surprisingly seems longer. The story ends almost abruptly as it begins being bookended by a formal event honouring Murrow in the late 50s.

A couple of issues don't quite click in the film. The characters of Joe and Shirley must come to terms with the network's policy forbidding marriage among its coworkers, but this subplot doesn't significantly serve to move the story forward. Clooney shows a workman-like approach to directing the film but it just doesn't grab you as emotionally as you would like. You sit there entranced by the history but are never fully given to the pathos, the soul of its characters. Instead, the film becomes almost a quasi-documentary bereft of feeling.

Good Night & Good Luck is a fine insight from George.