Good Night, and Good Luck.
Good Night, and Good Luck.

Movie spotlight

Good Night, and Good Luck.

2005
Movie
92 min
English

The story of journalist Edward R. Murrow's stand against Senator Joseph McCarthy's anti-communist witch-hunts in the early 1950s.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes90%
Metacritic82/100
Google Users86%
Director: George ClooneyGenres: Biography, Drama, History, News

Plot Summary

In the 1950s, broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow and his colleagues take on Senator Joseph McCarthy's fear-mongering tactics during the Red Scare. Facing immense pressure, Murrow and his team at "See It Now" bravely challenge McCarthy's baseless accusations on air, risking their careers and reputations. The film chronicles their courageous stand against a powerful demagogue, highlighting the importance of journalistic integrity in the face of political intimidation.

Critical Reception

Good Night, and Good Luck. was met with widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its directing, screenplay, and performances, with many praising its timely relevance to contemporary political discourse. It was also lauded for its stark black-and-white cinematography and its powerful message about the role of journalism in a democracy. The film garnered numerous award nominations and wins, solidifying its place as a significant historical drama.

What Reviewers Say

  • A powerful and timely examination of journalistic courage against political demagoguery.

  • Praised for its sharp dialogue, compelling performances, and stark, atmospheric cinematography.

  • Seen as a significant historical drama with enduring relevance to free speech and the press.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's intelligent storytelling and its historical significance, finding it a compelling and thought-provoking look at a critical period in American history and the importance of investigative journalism. Many felt it was a relevant and important reminder of the power of truth in the face of propaganda.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor (David Strathairn). Won the Golden Globe for Best Screenplay.

Fun Fact

The film's distinctive black-and-white cinematography was a deliberate choice by director George Clooney to evoke the look and feel of television news footage from the 1950s, when the story takes place.

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TMDB Reviews

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CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

There's a brief clip at the start of "Sink the Bismarck" (1960) that illustrates the impact of Edward R. Murrow's potent and succinct style of broadcasting that eventually led to him receiving an award from his peers at the beginning of thi...