In 1954, TV newscaster Edward R. Murrow (David Strathairn) makes a risky decision to confront Communist-hunting Senator Joseph R. McCarthy on the air, especially having already been suspected of Communist activity himself. However, instead of backfiring, the confrontation is a contributing factor to McCarthy's eventual downfall.
Director George Clooney uses black and white cinematography and 50's makeup, hairstyles, and attire, along with real archival footage of McCarthy to keep the viewer's attention all the way through. Clooney, who also stars in the film, delivers a vivid (if curiously agoraphobic) portrayal of the time and place, even though the '50s appear depressing at times. The ending is a bit unsatisfying, but when you consider that this is based on a true story, you'll cut it some slack.
Strathairn leads an all-star cast as Murrow, with a mastered grim tone that's music to our ears. Clooney is equally good as Murrow's assistant, and Frank Langella is towering as the president of CBS.
The film may not be for all tastes--people who could care less about what happened fifty years ago will likely fall asleep. On the other hand, for history buffs, or for people who remember that time period, it is a vivid recreation of a time when fear gripped the nation. As Edward R. Murrow would say, "Good night, and good luck."
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