FRIDAY MOVIE SUGGESTION NIGHT PRESENTS: "GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD LUCK"!
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If only my Speech and Debate teacher from high school were still alive to see this film! Directed by George Clooney and written by George Clooney and Grant Heslov, this story (unlike our boring textbooks in school) vividly brings to light one of the most painful chapters of television broadcasting! In the early 1950's Wisconsin Senator Joseph McCarthy, with the support of then-FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover created a hostile and paranoid environment wherein Americans were deluded into thinking that Communists were literally living under our porches and inside our fireplaces waiting to take over the United States. This paranoia went unchecked and ruined for three decades actors' reputations in Hollywood from Zero Mostel to Herschel Bernardi (that became the background for Woody Allen's movie "The Front") and many more who were similarly "blacklisted" and summoned before a creepy HUAC (House UnAmerican Activities Committee), purportedly investigating whether the Hollywood and broadcast journalism communities knew of any avowed Communists. That is, until 1953. CBS's legendary reporter and news anchor Edward R. Murrow and his producer Fred W. Friendly took a stand on principle to fight McCarthy and expose him for the bastard that he was (excuse me, but that's the truth). The actions of both men took a very personal toll on them and the country. This is the story that is a cautionary tale of power left unchecked. It is a true story and it is painstakingly assembled here in Black & White to reflect the tenor of the times. The Cast: David Strathairn is Edward R. Murrow; George Clooney is Fred Friendly; Jeff Daniels is Sig Mickelson; Alex Borstein is Natalie; Rose Abdoo is Millie Lerner; Tate Donovan is Jesse Zousmer; Reed Diamond is John Aaron; Matt Ross is Eddie Scott; Patricia Clarkson is Shirley Wershba; Robert Downey, Jr. is Joe Wershba and Thomas McCarthy is Palmer Williams. ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATIONS FOR 2006: Best Achievement in Art Direction: James D. Bissell (Art Director); Jan Pascale (Set Director); Best Achievement in Cinematography: Robert Elswit; Best Achievement in Directing: George Clooney; Best Motion Picture of the Year: Grant Heslov; Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role: David Strathairn; Best Writing, Original Screenplay: George Clooney and Grant Heslov.
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posted by Michael Manning @ 12:29 PM
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8 Comments:
That was little more than a glorified witch hunt and a damn shame to boot! Have a wonderful week-end Michael!
Anything with George Clooney is A-OK with me!
I am going to have to go out and rent this one! I missed it when it came out and I heard how good it was.
I think I'll have to see that one as I tend to like Robert Downey movies. Thanks for the tip!
Patti: This film really takes you inside of it all. Fascinatng! :)
Jessica: When I was 12, I auditioned for his father's variety show in Cincinnati. He's a super nice guy who was our version of Johnny Carson for some years!
jlee: It is tense and much of the script as I understand it came from Murrow's defense. I saw it at a limited run theater. Glad it's out on DVD now!
Suzanne: Hey, I almost overlooked that! He is a good actor! :)
I'm a Clooney fan too. I wish I had had a speech and debate teacher, what a great lesson to help build confidence.
I went to that quaint teashop last weekend for the first time and thought of you. It is so lovely, so unusual, so friendly and has delicious teas and cakes. You must visit the UK one day and let me treat you to English tea.
This is a fabulous film in both the acting and the directing -- it was a beauty to watch. I really liked David Strathairn as Murrow, though. He really earned that Oscar nomination; too bad it wasn't his year.
becky: I agree!:)
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