New George Clooney film connects the dots from McCarthy to today

[MelissaB]

New George Clooney film connects the dots from McCarthy to today

By DOUGLAS J. ROWE
AP Entertainment Writer

October 8, 2005, 1:11 PM EDT


NEW YORK -- Most have forgotten CBS newsman Edward R. Murrow's "See It Now" broadcasts that took on Sen. Joseph McCarthy. Not George Clooney _ he even sees those '50s political battles recurring in today's America.

And in "Good Night, and Good Luck," Clooney and co-screenwriter Grant Heslov offer up ways we can connect the then-vs.-now dots between communists and terrorists, McCarthy and the Bush administration, loyalty oaths and the Patriot Act.

"Then it was the threat of communism; now it's the threat of terrorism _ though I think terrorism is a more real threat," Heslov said. "But even through all that, the question is how much of our civil liberties are we willing to give up."

Clooney cites his father _ Nick, a longtime local anchorman who became known nationally as a host on cable's American Movie Classics _ as a huge inspiration for directing and co-writing the film about the great god of broadcast journalism and the eponymous avatar of McCarthyism.

More: http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--film-clooneysmov1008oct08,0,5842100.story?coll=ny-region-apnewyork

[The Witch]

1. I saw this film last night.

And I was crying at the end, thinking, "How can people not see that we are back there today?"

[Eric J in MN]

2. I wish were a color movie in wide release instead of

a black-and-white movie in limited release.

[C_U_L8R]

5. Go see it

And you won't be wishing for color.. the cinematography
is stunningly beautiful and totally appropriate.

Buit you are very right - this film deserves wide release.

[MelissaB]

6. I can't wait to see it.

I just hope it comes to my town.

[C_U_L8R]

4. I saw it last night too

WOW !!!!!!!!
the (sold out) audience broke out in spontaneous applause throughout the film,
I was floored.. it is such a simple powerful work - acted and directed superbly.
I recommend everyone see it - then tell all your friends.
You won't be disappointed one bit.

[jeff30997]

3. Wow ! Sounds great ! I have to see it absolutely.

[justgamma]

7. Is there anyplace

that shows where and when this will be shown? When F911 came out there was a website that showed all the cities and dates it was playing or opening in, not just the local ones. I can't seem to find it anywhere.

[texpatriot2004]

10. Link to the Good Night and Good Luck web page

http://wip.warnerbros.com/goodnightgoodluck/

[flowomo]

8. as I posted earlier.... great reviews across the board!

FRESH 95%

Avg. Rating: 8.2/10
"This is serious grown-up entertainment with a sense of history and a sense of style, the kind of picture almost no one knows how to - - or, perhaps more accurately, can find the means to - - make anymore."
-- Stephanie Zacharek, SALON.COM

4/4 "Good Night, and Good Luck says two things, at least, and they are worth repeating: There is always the chance for one good man to make a difference. And in 1954, Edward R. Murrow did."
-- Stephen Whitty, NEWARK STAR-LEDGER

5/5 "Good Night, and Good Luck couldn't be more unlikely, more unfashionable -- or more compelling."
-- Kenneth Turan, LOS ANGELES TIMES

3.5/4 "In ninety-three tight, terrifically exciting minutes, Clooney makes integrity look mighty sexy."
-- Peter Travers, ROLLING STONE

"George Clooney's film about the CBS newsman Edward R. Murrow is a passionate, thoughtful essay on power, truth-telling and responsibility."
-- A.O. Scott, NEW YORK TIMES

"This is a mesmerizing film from start to finish, directed by Mr. Clooney with admirable self-assurance, and a miraculous 90 minutes."
-- Rex Reed, NEW YORK OBSERVER

"A vital chapter of mid-century history is brought to life concisely, with intimacy and matter-of-fact artistry."
-- Todd McCarthy, VARIETY

4/4 "The biggest little movie of the year -- and one of the best ever about the news media."
-- Jack Mathews, NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

4/4 "By far the smartest American film released in 2005."
-- Lou Lumenick, NEW YORK POST

3.5/4 "Part drama and part civics lesson, Good Night, and Good Luck is an entertaining slice of American political and cultural history."
-- Mick LaSalle, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE

More:

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/10005652-good_night_and_good_luck/

[BrklynLiberal]

9. This is obviously a must see movie! Thanks for the input.

[texpatriot2004]

11. Link to the Good Night and Good Luck web page

http://wip.warnerbros.com/goodnightgoodluck/

[xray s]

12. another Clooney film due out soon "Syriana"

http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hv&id=1808631296&cf=info&intl=us

Robert Baer (Clooney), a 21-year veteran of the CIA, spent his entire career investigating terrorists around the globe. As the dangers of terrorism increased, Baer watched as the CIA's funding was cut, politics overtook judgment, and warning signs were ignored. But the struggle becomes personal when and oil executive (Damon) an his wife (Peet) are faced with a family tragedy.

[The Witch]

13. This one looks even MORE apropo

They showed the trailer before GN&GL. I was stunned that they could get it so far as the trailer. I recognized absolutely everything that is going on in the world today. It's hot shit. Trust me. It will get GOPs' panties soiled faster than an Exxon stock plunge.