Good news for ‘Good Night’
- Good Night, and Good Luck
- Director George Clooney delivers a timely and powerful reminder that we're not powerless, and ordinary men can challenge power.
We’re introduced to CBS newsman Edward R. Murrow at the beginning of “Good Night, and Good Luck” as the broadcaster is being honored in 1958 for his work over the years, particularly for his legendary fight against Sen. Joseph McCarthy. Upon taking the stage to accept the recognition which he is being given, Murrow, played authentically by David Strathairn, tells his story.
The state of television in the 1950s of “Good Night, and Good Luck” is eerily similar to that of today. Most programs do little but numb the mind, and keep the people from worrying. The news media is a toothless watchdog, afraid to upset advertisers and go against the corporate managers. The most terrifying prospect of all, however, is to be labeled a communist by Sen. McCarthy or one of his sycophants.
Communism is a shadow that hangs over everyone in 1953 like the thick smoke that fills nearly every scene in the film. The Soviet Union may be frightening, but accusations of being a communist, or even just being associated with somebody who might be one, is a much worse, and much more real threat. Months of witchhunts against average citizens and even his colleagues finally push Ed Murrow and his associates at CBS into action. Ed Murrow didn’t need to bring down McCarthy. He simply needed to give the senator the ammunition he’d need to do it himself.
A black and white film about 1950s journalism and Senate proceedings might seem at first glance like it would be a bit of a bore — a well-intentioned movie for those who already have an interest in the subjects. While most people probably have at least a passing knowledge of Joseph McCarthy and the fear induced by the senator from Wisconsin, no prior familiarity is necessary, and the primer offered at the beginning is enough to get anyone up to speed.
Clooney’s active, nearly documentary-like shooting style and liberal use of focus mix well with the steady original film and kinescope recordings. At times the shot is completely out of focus, allowing the viewer to center his attention on Strathairn’s nearly dead-on impression of Murrow’s distinctive voice.
Most members of the talented ensemble cast are underused, and even Clooney himself could have had more screen time. The secretly married Joe and Shirley, played by Robert Downey Jr. and Patricia Clarkson, are never fully realized as characters. They served mainly to give the movie a subplot, but it’s one that never fully pans out. At the very least, it shows the lengths that some people would go to in those days, and it never hurt the main storyline.
The lively, yet deadpan humor by Clooney and Strathairn reminds the viewers that there’s more to Murrow than meets the camera.
In an exchange between Murrow and Sig Mickelson, played by Jeff Daniels, Murrow says he and Friendly will cover the cost of lost ad revenue, but Friendly just won’t be able to buy his kids any Christmas presents.
Mickelson says, “he’s a Jew.”
“Well, don’t tell him that; he loves Christmas,” Murrow responds.
George Clooney has a reputation as a pretty boy. It might be a reasonable description, but he’s certainly not vain. “Good Night, and Good Luck” could have been a vanity picture for another actor/director, but this couldn’t have been further from that. Audiences may like to look at Clooney, but like a good journalist, he doesn’t let himself get in the way of the story.
“Good Night, and Good Luck” closes with a chilling warning from Murrow.
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. There is a great and perhaps decisive battle to be fought against ignorance, intolerance and indifference. This weapon of television could be useful.
Murrow was right, but it’s a shame that his words are rarely heeded today.
November 6th, 2005 at 2:26 am
I’m personally looking forward to seeing this. I’m a fan of Clooney’s acting and directing - looks like I get a two-fer in this.
November 6th, 2005 at 2:37 am
[…] Personally I can not wait to see Good Night and Good Luck. If you are chomping at the bit to see this movie, than head on over to Crap Filter for a great overall review of the movie, its synopsis and some thoughts from the founder of Crap Filter; Chris Coleman. […]
January 16th, 2006 at 8:55 pm
[…] Those of you bored enough to be watching the Golden Globes may have caught Drew Barrymore talking about the outstanding film “Good Night, And Good Luck.” Drew must have been in a very big hurry tonight because she apparently forgot to wear a bra. Normally it’s hard to complain about something like this, except when a woman’s lady parts appear to be more like a set of dual beer bellies than actual breasts. It was weird. […]