Charming, Elegant and Enriching

Good Night, And Good Luck

Cast: David Strathairn, Robert Downey, Jr., George Clooney, Frank Langella

Director: George Clooney

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Filmed in black and white and set in the 1950s, this classic tale of "truth vs. corruption" proves that, while truth may win from time to time, corruption always will be with us. Eternal vigilance really is the price of freedom.

This movie focuses on Edward R. Murrow (Strathairn), a very influential and controversial television journalist working for CBS. His words meant something, and they had weight. He used his words to combat the insidious hysteria versus communists in that era, led by Senator Joseph McCarthy (played by himself, through old newsclips).

Those young enough only to have read about this in dry history books may be surprised to see just how silly this stuff looks now: people were hauled in front of a committee and their lives ruined because of rumors and, frighteningly, charges brought by unknowns who they had no chance to confront. Back then, sadly, it was not silly. And this movie, while containing wry humor, takes on the terror with seriousness and elegance.

This plays more like a documentary than a standard movie. Murrow is a strong, moral man who tells it like it is, and does not flinch. And, thankfully, he is allowed to do so (up to the very end) by Paley (Langella), head of CBS. Only after the fact is Murrow shunted aside and forced out. But he was the leading force in bringing down the insane McCarthy, and while that does not pay the bills, it is a very good thing indeed.

Yes, this movie has a message. But it is one worth telling in this day and age. We cannot stay complacent forever.

Good Night, And Good Luck In The News

-- S. Moyer