Brookhaven Courier

Issue date: 10/24/05 Section: Entertainment

Based in the 1950s, "Good Night, and Good Luck" from writer, director and co-star George Clooney, plays perfectly as a backdrop to the current politically charged environment where any questioning of the United States government is considered to be treasonous. The recent theatrical openings of "Waiting..." and "The Fog" provided less than moviegoers had hoped for, but now thankfully, they have been presented with an entertaining and intelligent film.

Edward R. Murrow, who was the host of the CBS program "See It Now," is the main character. His program in the movie and real life is best compared to the current day "60 Minutes." He courageously decided to take on the U.S. government's search for possible citizens that were communists. I feel he provided everyone in the country with a continuing right to freedom that, at the time, was under serious assault.

Murrow focused on U.S. Senator Joseph McCarthy who used the power of the Senate to lead investigations toward communists or communist sympathizers. With the Cold War as his backdrop, the investigations turned to the movie industry, government and media.

After broadcasting episodes about the specific cases of the misuse of power, Murrow finally decided to take on McCarthy on the March 9, 1954, episode. The focus on the Senator provides the key spotlight for the film's narrative and allows the filmmakers to use archival footage of McCarthy, which fit seamlessly into the movie.

David Strathairn ("L.A. Confidential") provides this film with credibility. Strathairn is a relatively unknown actor who should receive a Best Actor nomination for next year's Oscars.

Frank Langella plays William Paley who was chairman of the CBS board at the time. He also provides the film with another Oscar-worthy performance. Murrow has to answer to Paley about his broadcasts in the film particularly the McCarthy episode.

Paley provided Murrow with free reign over the show until sponsors started pulling out.

The evidence of who won between McCarthy and Murrow is up to the viewer after seeing the movie and thinking about what happened to each man after their showdown.

Clooney keeps the movie focused on the case at hand instead of trying to force today's events into the movie's historic happenings. The movie is a good comparison to current history based on the factual evidence of the hauntingly not too distant past in the case of Murrow taking on McCarthy allowing viewers a movie experience that they are rarely provided.

The film could have provided more on Murrow's life outside of the studios at CBS, but the quick pacing left me wanting to see more.

Clocking in at 93 minutes, the movie breezes by and for political, media or First Amendment junkies this motion picture is truly a must see.

The film, which was fully financed by Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and his business partner Todd Wagner through their company 2929 Entertainment, is an excellent example of what can happen when movie creators receive the opportunity to freely create art with proper funding.



Good Night, and Good Luck

4 1/2 stars out of 5

Directed by: George Clooney
Starring: David Strathairn, George Clooney and Frank Langella
Web site: http://wip.warnerbros.com/goodnightgoodluck/
Rating: PG for mild thematic elements and brief language

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