Good Night, and Good Luck

"Good Night, and Good Luck" (GNGL) is the true story about how Edward R. Murrow (remarkably played by David Strathairn) and his producer Fred Friendly (George Clooney) help bring down Joseph McCarthy(portrayed with perfection by Joseph McCarthy) and the House Un-American Activities Committee.

Clooney, who also wrote the screenplay, has firmly established himself as a solid director. Shot entirely in black-and-white, Clooney uses only actual footage of McCarthy in his film, rather than an actor. It works amazingly well. Strathairn was fantastic, although I would have liked to have learned a little more about the man.

The supporting cast was excellent, although, again, every character was so professional and relatively low key, that it was hard to get a real read on any of them, with the minor exception of Reporter Joe Wershba (Robert Downey Jr.) and another staff member (Patricia Clarkson), who are forced to hide their marriage because of network rules. Ray Wise is great as Don Hollenbeck, a fellow newsman deeply worried about being labeled a columnist. A very touching performance.

This film is rather timely, given what's going on in this country and the world. GNGL clocks in at a shade over 90 minutes, and its a perfect length. I liked this film MUCH better than Clooney's directorial debut "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind."

Rent this movie.