Good Night, and Good Luck.

George Clooney. One of those guys who always make it. Whatever they do, we love it. He needs no introduction. But little know that he directed three movies, and is making his fourth one at this very moment.

Two of the three already released movies are not bad at all. He proved as a director in 2002 with Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, starring Sam Rockwell, Drew Barrymore, Julia Roberts, and Clooney himself. It has been a long time since I have seen it, but I can clearly recall that I loved this film.

In 2005 he directed Good Night, and Good Luck. Clooney chose a genre for his film that is not in fashion anymore, as a matter of fact it never really was: docudrama. Though he shot the movie in color, during the post production he changed it to black and white. He also uses film noir elements, which helps to create the atmosphere of the period: America in the 50s. What I found terrific is that every scene was shot inside, all in the CBS broadcasting studio. (There are two exceptions though, but my point is that every place is closed: the studio, the bar, Joe & Shirley Wershba's bedroom.) Pictures of faces, shades, and cigarette smoke. Robert Elswitt (cinematographer) made an excellent job.

Clooney focuses on the issue and the facts. He even utilizes original archive footage. One might claim that there are no characters, no background information about the reporters, but that is the virtue of the movie. Though it is a drama, the viewer still has the feeling that they are watching a documentary film. The line can hardly be noticed.

George Clooney and Dianne Reeves

The film features Dianne Reeves, an exceptional jazz singer. She sings a standard every 23rd minute: that was the usual length of a TV show in the 50s. The soundtrack of Good Night, and Good Luck not only serves the movie perfectly, but also stands alone as a fascinating jazz experience.

The movie is George Clooney's critique of the present media through a historical event. It will always be valid and actual... What do we call something that never goes out of style? Classic.

David Strathairn as Edward R. Murrow