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By CityGood Night, and Good Luck
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Good Night, and Good LuckClooney brings quality filmmaking back to the big screen
2005-12-13
Article Written by: Sami Jo
In his second time in the director's chair, George Clooney ( Confessions of a Dangerous Mind ) brings a remarkable film to audiences everywhere. Good Night, and Good Luck illustrates television news reporter Edward R. Murrow's stand against Senator Joseph McCarthy in the early 1950's. The film assumes audiences know their American history lessons, so for those of you who have forgotten, Senator McCarthy was the controversial politician who exploited Cold War fears of Communists in the United States.
Clooney made several invaluable directorial decisions which all enhance the message of the film and bring alive the 1950's. In the early 1950's television was still in black and white. By choosing to have this film also in black and white, believability is added and the tone of the film is created. Clooney's use of shadows and the constant cigarette smoke do well to intensify the mood as well.
The band playing throughout the film is actually Rosemary Clooney's old band and her songs are being sung by Dianne Reeves. Rosemary was in several feature films in the early 1950's, and by using his Aunt's music, Clooney adds to the overall realism of the picture. To aid in creating this realism the film uses actual footage of Senator McCarthy instead of hiring an actor. (Ironically, during test screenings, the audience felt the man playing McCarthy was overacting.)
Actor/director's have a distinct advantage when it comes to directing other actors. Much of the acting in the film was visual, with small amounts of dialogue. Clooney directed his cast to use their facial expressions and body language to convey their emotions – an act seldom seen in modern cinema.
Casting director Ellen Chenoweth, who also cast Clooney's directorial debut Confessions of a Dangerous Mind , picked a phenomenal variety of men to portray the gentlemen of CBS News. David Strathairn ( Losing Isaiah ) portrays Murrow and Clooney ( Ocean's Twelve ) portrays Fred Friendly, his partner in exposing McCarthy. Frank Langella ( Red Dragon ) plays William Paley, the chief executive who took CBS from radio broadcasting into television. Ray Wise ( Jeepers Creepers 2 ) plays CBS anchor Don Hollenbeck. Jeff Daniels ( Because of Winn-Dixie ) plays Sig Mickleson, a CBS news executive. Robert Downey, Jr. ( The Singing Detective ) and Patricia Clarkson ( Pieces of April ) play Joe and Shirley Wershba, a couple hiding their marriage from their co-workers at a time when inter-office marriages were strictly prohibited. Downey, Jr. and Clarkson have such an adorable chemistry together that another film should be made about them.
The film does consist of a few inaccuracies; however, they are all very minor and don't take away from the message or the historical importance. This film brings to light the role of television in society and how it should be used as an educational tool, not just a means of entertainment. Murrow was ahead of his time in his concern for this medium and today I believe film should also be used as a means of education. Independent films such as this are vital to keeping American history fresh in people's minds.
Final Thought: Who better to give a history lesson than George Clooney?
