This movie basically follows Edward Murrow as he reports on Joseph McCarthy's anti-communist pursuits on See It Now. The title comes from his sign out phrase. George Clooney is in it and directed it. Relased in 2005, in black and white, with many recognizable faces, this movie doesn't exaggerate to create a more dynamic plot. It's actually pretty slow, with jazz/blues music to match. It not only portrays that period of history politically, but shows some of the social aspects and even the journalistic atmosphere, with side plots involving a married couple and management interference. While Goodnight and Goodluck isn't the most entertaining, exciting film, it salutes Murrow and his colleagues' courage and gives a glimpse of a world most people are unfamiliar with.
In a quote I really liked, we, especially as journalists, are reminded to continue to try to show an apathetic public what is important and affects their lives, "To those who say people wouldn't look; they wouldn't be interested; they're too complacent, indifferent and insulated, I can only reply: There is, in one reporter's opinion, considerable evidence against that contention. But even if they are right, what have they got to lose? Because if they are right, and this instrument is good for nothing but to entertain, amuse and insulate, then the tube is flickering now and we will soon see that the whole struggle is lost. This instrument can teach, it can illuminate; yes, and it can even inspire. But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise it is merely wires and lights in a box. Good night, and good luck."
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This movie helped solidify my decision to major in journalism. I really liked the casual, documentary style of it. Murrow's determination to stake out the truth, take a position based on it, and defend it to the end is such a contrast, too, to the way the corporate media interacts with government today.
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