A Scientist at the Movies Reviews by Greg Paris

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Reviews from Video Reviews of the Classics Personal Background

Title: Good Night, and Good Luck

Date Viewed: 11/20/05

Details:

David Strathairn (Edward R. Murrow)

Robert Downey Jr. (Joe Wershba)

Patricia Clarkson (Shirley Wershba)

Ray Wise (Don Hollenbeck)

Frank Langella (William Paley)

Jeff Daniels (Sig Mickelson)

George Clooney (Fred Friendly)

Written & directed by: George Clooney

Score: +

The Review: The background is iconic and has lent its name to a window of time: "the McCarthy era." The trials initiated by Senator McCarthy have become a touchstone for cold-war paranoia and an emblem of nationalism gone sour. One of the people who helped bring McCarthy to ground was the well-known and respected reporter Edward R. Murrow -- this film offers snapshots along the path of reportage and heated debate. It does an excellent job of setting tone and mood, capturing the (then) novelty of television reporting and its editorial process. Recommended, if a bit depressing at times.

David Strathairn has an amazing face, its expressiveness brought to the fore by the superb B&W cinematography. Downey & Clarkson lend a bit of humor to an otherwise grim landscape.

(22-Jan-06)

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