Writer/Director: George Clooney
Starring: George Clooney, Robert Downey Jr. and Jeff Daniels
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many stars have made films audiences treasure like Robert Downey Jr. Ever since his rise to recognition in the 1990’s, RDJ has become a beloved icon. Whether it is bold political leaders, starkly rich billionaires or strong news reporters, Robert Downey Jr. has portrayed many characters. Arguably, Robert Downey Jr.‘s finest strength as an actor has always been his commemorated commitment to his craft. He is one of those actors that has commonly had aptitude for stealing a show in supporting roles which have limited screen time. Although he is best known for his role as Iron Man in the MCU, RDJ has suggested he can excel in every genre. Through his abilities to portray powerful characters that are compelling, RDJ has established a legacy that’s lasting. Throughout a long lasting career, RDJ has appeared in memorable movies which are absolutely worth talking about without any doubt.
I’m a huge fan of RDJ and adore all the films he has made in his career. However, “Good Night, and Good Luck” is definitely my favourite. Released in 2005, George Clooney’s movie offered a powerful portrait of journalists that face adversity. Packed with bold production, engaging storytelling and powerful acting, it is one of the finest movies ever made about journalism. At the centre of it all is a superb performance from Robert Downey Jr., who embodies a political figure facing pressure. Ultimately, what makes “Good Night Good Luck” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most films about journalism, it covers powerful themes everyone would relate to. A mesmerizing masterpiece about journalism, there are many strong reasons why “Good Night, and Good Luck” is a commemorated film worth watching.
Based upon true events, “Good Night, and Good Luck” tells the story of a journalist running out of luck. David Strathairn plays Edward R. Murrow, a strong journalist with devotion towards his profession. Edward has always shown strong devotion toward showcasing truth at any cost. However, Edward’s life is drastically changed when he takes a stand against anti-communist parties causing a disaster. Facing opposition from journalists such as Joe Wersbha (Robert Downey Jr.), Edward questions whether it’s possible for him to any longer be a successful journalist in America. As all the odds become stacked against his favour, Edward wonders whether it’s possible for him to become a prosperous news reporter.
George Clooney is fascinated in the themes of news media. A strong filmmaker, Clooney has often made engaging movies about the lives of journalists facing disaster. His movie “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind” offered a strong portrait of television producers with a dangerous mind. With “Good Night, and Good Luck”, however, Clooney made his first ever political drama. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture lives of journalists which face adversity but he succeeded immensely. Using captivating cinematography, Clooney captures a journalist seeking to discover his identity. Emulating Alan J. Pakula’s “All The President’s Men”, Clooney effectively uses montages to caprice tensions experienced by presidential men. For instance, montages enhance the journalism scene. During this unforgettable scene, Edward collaborates with his fellow reporters to publish a story. Using montages, Clooney crafts a portrait of journalism that’s compelling. Montages are complex techniques. As Joss Whedon’s “The Avengers” suggested, montages often elevate comic-book movies. Nevertheless, it works extremely. Using breathtaking visuals, Clooney captures tensions which journalists are facing.
Another strong aspect of “Good Night, and Good Luck” deserving appreciation is production. From a technical perspective, it is extremely well made. Clooney uses bold costumes to capture lives of journalists seeking success. Throughout the movie, Edward’s costumes showcase his transformation in a journalist fighting forces of communism. For instance, costumes enhance the journalist broadcast scene. During this haunting scene, Edward faces tension when he is tasked with giving a speech on broadcast. Using breathtaking costumes, Clooney crafts a portrait of TV that’s compelling. Furthermore, the musical score is marvellous. Aaron Glascock’s music is key to the success of the film. It gives the movie a tense atmosphere capturing heavy burden journalists bear. Using production, Clooney creates a powerful portrait of the journalism profession.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Good Night, and Good Luck” is a movie about journalism which is engaging. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively employs silence to capture lives of journalists which become involved in scandals. For instance, silence elevates the scandal reaction scene. During this unforgettable scene, Edward is faced with a dilemma reacting to the tense scandal. Through silence, Clooney creates a portrait of journalists that audiences could relate to. Silence is a complex technique to use. As Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” suggested, silence enhances biopics about inventors. The Russo Brothers’ “Avengers: Endgame” proved silence elevates comic-book movies. Nevertheless, it works well in this film. Using a strong screenplay, Clooney captures the lives of journalists which face a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Robert Downey Jr. delivers one of his best performances as Joe Wershba. RDJ first earned appreciation for playing iron man in the marvel cinematic universe. With “Good Night, and Good Luck”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a journalist facing adversity but he succeeds tremendously. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. With riveting expression, he captures angst, grief and intelligence of a commemorated journalist facing tension. It’s a powerful performance by one of the most commemorated actors working today.
While the film is mainly a strong showcase for RDJ, the supporting cast is also great and worthy of praise. David Strathairn is spectacular, capturing charismatic nature of a news reporter seeming to overcome a disaster. George Clooney is captivating, bringing authority to a news reporter that seeks to challenge the communist party. Lastly, Jeff Daniels merits appreciation. As a political senator, he brings an air of tension to the movie.
Finally, “Good Night, and Good Luck” would earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing reporters running out of luck. Unlike most movies about journalism, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It discusses strong themes including ambition, grief and mental health that would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with the history of communism to appreciate it. It delivers a bold message about controversial scandals which would absolutely resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Good Night, and Good Luck” is one of those rare commemorated films about journalism everyone would absolutely adore.
Fans of Robert Downey Jr. would absolutely love “Good Night, and Good Luck” and so would movie-goers seeking tense entertainment. A captivating journalism drama, it celebrates an actor with charisma.
Nearly 25 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about journalists facing a controversial scandal, it’s a remarkable reminder about a commemorated actor that has built a powerful legacy through his abilities to portray memorable characters in unforgettable movies which audiences consider extremely special.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 