USA: The 43rd New York Film Festival opens with George Clooney's film on journalism icon, Edward R. Murrow "Good Night, and Good Luck"

Record ID: 218901

  • Title: USA: The 43rd New York Film Festival opens with George Clooney's film on journalism icon, Edward R. Murrow "Good Night, and Good Luck"
  • Date: 29th September 2005
  • Summary: (CONTAINS FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY) CLOONEY, STRATHAIRN ON RED CARPET WITH ACTRESS PATRICIA CLARKSON (IN WHITE GOWN) (SOUNDBITE) (English) ACTRESS ALEX BORSTEIN SAYING: "I think it's his comment on journalism, it's his comment on the state of the union, free speech and in particular, George himself has been slammed for coming out if you will as a Democrat and a liberal, and I think this is kind of a really well-spoken way to fight back."
  • Embargoed: 14th October 2005 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Usa
  • Country: USA
  • Reuters ID: LVA8BL8J3N2J9G3SPXK9NNZGPWVW
  • Story Text: George Clooney's latest film "Good Night, And Good Luck" examines at the early days of U.S. television news, focusing on journalist Edward R. Murrow and his work during the McCarthy witch hunts of the 1950s.
    Clooney, who produced, directed and acts in the movie, introduced the film before its U.S. premiere Friday (September 23, 2005) at the New York Film Festival. "Good Night, And Good Luck" was recently screened to critical acclaim at the Venice Film Festival.
    So many reporters and photographers besieged Clooney when he stepped on the red carpet, that he could not speak to them all.
    "Good Night, And Good Luck" stars David Strathairn as CBS news anchor Edward R. Murrow. It tells the story of the conflict between Murrow, and his efforts to expose the bullying tactics of Senator Joseph McCarthy and the House Un-American Activities Committee in their anti-communist crusade.
    Clooney produced the film with Section Eight, a production company he formed with Steven Soderbergh. He has said he kept the film as realistic as possible, even improvising scenes, to convey the real life chaos and energy of a TV newsroom.
    Clooney plays the role of producer Fred Friendly, who worked closely with Murrow. Clooney's fascination with Murrow began at home. The actor's father was a news anchor with a high regard for the CBS newsman.
    The film was co-written by Grant Heslov, who also plays the role of producer Don Hewitt.
    "You know George's father was a journalist, so he spoke to us, and what he said to us was, he said you better be sure of your facts. So we sort of approached it like journalists and we double sourced every fact and everything that happens in the film is double sourced, either by from a book, or someone who's alive," Heslov said.
    In the film, Murrow, portrayed by Strathairn, denounces McCarthy's persecution using the Wisconsin senator's own words.
    "Good Night, And Good Luck" takes its name from Murrow's catchphrase. It uses black and white archival footage liberally, giving the film a documentary feel.
    Frank Langella plays the role of Bill Paley, the head of CBS at the time of Murrow. Langella believes "Good Night, And Good Luck" is an extraordinary and socially relevant movie.
    "It's wonderful to be in this film. It's, you know, every once in a while you get into a movie that is... to use this word, "important." And this is really an important film. I think its going to make a huge difference once its out," he explained.
    "I think it's his (Clooney's) comment on journalism, it's his comment on the state of the union, free speech and in particular, George himself has been slammed for coming out if you will as a Democrat and a liberal, and I think this is kind of a really well-spoken way to fight back," said actress Alex Borstein, who is part of the cast.
    "Good Night, And Good Luck" also stars Robert Downey Jr., Patricia Clarkson, Jeff Daniels and Tate Donovan.
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