If a statement above seems hyperbolic, then perhaps because the title film on our subject is. Or rather, it is larger than life.
The sophomore directorial debut of George Clooney exactly mirrors his own persona: charming, suave and contented. Thus, when he delivers the subject of television journalism serving as a merciless attack towards the communist witch-hunt initiated by Senator Joseph McCarthy in 1950s, Clooney shows that such a resilient persistence has to be done in a grand manner.
The manner is apparent enough through the, literally, smoky screen as we see the main characters continue puffing their way through cigarettes, perhaps symbolizing the perceived image of gentlemen of that era. The backdrop jazz soundtrack provided by Dianne Reeves remind us the insert of Vonda Shepard in Ally McBeal series, that although the presence is considered a background prop, no scenes are wasted whenever they are in.
The combination of the two leads to the gorgeous black-and-white cinematography of Robert Elswit, a deserving Oscar-nominee for his work here, providing illuminous look against the constant terror in the television studio as told to us through a compelling screenplay.
The words as spoken in attention-grabbing style of David Strathairn as Edward R. Murrow are indeed echoing the importance of a goggle box called television. Thus, towards the end of the film, after showcasing his star persona in every single scene, Murrow closes his exhibition by giving a toned-down speech, indicating that it is not the television that stupefying us, but rather, how we treat the box as a tool to enhance our mind and our knowledge towards life.
It is by then, a suaver-than-suave persuasion from a person like Clooney can pull it off nicely in this best journalism drama in recent years.
Alas, a film as good as this will leave you wanting for more, long after the closing speech ends with:
Good Night, and Good Luck..
4 comments:
HAven't seen it yet, but after watching the trailer im very curious about it. Altho i've seen one black and white movie made by clooney before I didn't really like that one.
Btw how come you have a pop up on your site???
PAPIGIULIO,
one black-and-white movie made by clooney?
all i can recall about "confessions of a dangerous mind", his other directorial effort, is the film's colorful tones, hardly any black-and-white shades there.
or did you watch it on a black-and-white telly? or is it a reflection of your blog picture there? :)
anyway, what's wrong w/ a pop-up? once you pop, you go up *what a lame joke!*
but seriously, i've no idea. try using firefox then.
Strange no idea what movie it was then, i remember it being about war or something, with military and no it was no black and white movie television :P
Btw i am using firefox. Are you trying to tell me, you don't get any popups here???
PAPIGIULIO,
that mr. charming himself starred in "three kings", but again, it ain't black-and-white.
surely firefox does not give any pop-ups here, but it gives me another headache.
notice the missing text next to strathairn's picture there? it doesn't happen in explorer!
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