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07/03/06
Good Night and Good Luck  Overall rating: 78% When I suggested to my mates that we go see this film, the general response was “see what now?”. So I called upon my film buddy Craig (see, there’s your name check!) and off we trundled through sunny Cardiff on a Sunday afternoon. Good Night and Good Luck tells the story of CBS journalist Edward R. Murrow (David Strathairn) who courageously stands up to Senator Joseph McCarthy, the leader of communist witch-hunts in the US during the early 50’s. In a time where censorship ruled the airwaves, many were afraid to speak the truth for fear of being targeted, but Murrow and his team lead the fight between government and media that still goes on today. Right from its opening scenes the film sets a certain tone, one of quiet dignity and intellect. The soft jazz, sharp suits and cigarettes take the viewer to a romanticised time before television was ruled by the needs of the common man and journalistic integrity was the order of the day. It is almost as if George Clooney feared that too bold cinematography would detract from the subject matter, but then maybe he’s right. The words spoken by Murrow in his quest to tell the public the truth are truly inspiring, without ever being saccharine. This is made so by David Strathairn’s restrained yet powerful portrayal. You are never manipulated into thinking this man is a hero, but more a man who loves his job and feels responsible for the news he broadcasts. The support from Murrow’s team; Fred Friendly (George Clooney), Joe Wershba (Robert Downy Junior) and Don Hollenbeck (Ray Wise), gives the story extra depth. Each has their own tale of battles with censorship, forbidden love and perpetual fear. The occasional moments of dry humour they provide go down a treat in such a tense climate. The decision not to cast anyone as Senator McCarthy but rather use archive footage of his interviews is a bold one, but it pays off. It prevents the audience identifying an enemy and ultimately shows how difficult access to those in power can be. Set in pretty much one location, the production office for Murrow’s show, Good Night and Good Luck can often feel very isolated – we never see the public, the government officials or the victims of McCarthy’s crusade except on television screens. This should have allowed for team building and character development, but it is this human element that is devoid from the film. Whilst it is refreshing to see grown men just get on with the job at hand and not hear sentimental tales of family and love, it does make the experience seem rather cold. However, despite its flaws, the film does not outstay its welcome – at 93 minutes long it avoids the tendency of many a recent Hollywood endeavour to drag out a story for all its worth. Hats off to George Clooney for making a film that, despite being set in the past, still has ideals relevant to today’s society. Many would see Good Night and Good Luck as left wing propaganda, but in my opinion it is far more subtle than that, it is more a tale of one man’s fight to put his opinion across. In Summary: I’m going to use my friend Craig’s words here: “good but not fascinating”. Oh yeah – and ladies in case you were wondering it is NOT, I repeat NOT wrong to have impure thoughts about Mr Clooney (despite him being old enough to be my father). |