“Good Night, and Good Luck” When TV news mattered
Named for legendary broadcaster Edward R. Murrow’s sign-off tagline, this very self-serious film was co-written and directed by George Clooney, who also co-stars as Fred Friendly, producer and confidante to Murrow (portrayed stone-faced by typecast deadpan actor David Strathairn). Effectively shot in black and white to capture the 50s era, the film’s tight shots and incessant cigarette smoke don’t give the material or the audience much room to breathe. No surprise, the film takes on Senator Joseph McCarthy’s commie-hunting activities similarly depicted in countless other films. How’s this for a more intriguing film idea: Show McCarthy’s perspective, and explain how it could be argued that Murrow’s ferocious integrity is best represented today by none other than liberal enemy #1 Bill O’Reilly.
Grade: B
Rated PG for brief profanity.