A 2005 American drama which represented Clooney's second film where he undertook the role of director, the film though is more about the work of Edward R. Murrow who is one of the most revered figures in American TV broadcasting. His reports during World War II on the radio, especially about the Blitz in London, were listened to by millions of Americans and made him a household name before he worked for CBS. He was renowned for being one of the most honest news broadcasters around who called out people who he believed were acting dishonestly.
In the 1950's, Edward R. Murrow (David Strathairn) is the presenter of a TV program on CBS called See It Now where they delivered the news with the help of his extensive team of people. The honesty and integrity of the show at risk due to corporate pressures from above over advertisers not being happy with the content. The program calls out Joseph McCarthy who has being using dishonest tactics to try to identify people he believes to be communists who work in the media or for the government.
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| Fred W. Friendly (Clooney) and Edward R. Murrow (David Strathairn) |
The entire film save for a few scenes takes place indoors giving the whole piece a claustrophobic feel especially in the corridors and recording rooms of CBS. It's immaculately shot in black and white which adds to the authenticity as well as the close natured feel with the naturally black backdrops. The acting is top notch from Strathairn and Clooney in the leads whilst backed up admirably by the likes of Jeff Daniels, Patricia Clarkson and Ray Wise, although I was once again disappointed by Robert Downey Jr. The honour and integrity is missing from so many news organisations these days and Good Night and Good Luck is the example of how things used to be and how they should be in the future.
3.5/4 Beautifully shot in black and white adds to the understated approach
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