2005 Rewind: Good Night, and Good Luck

It's hard to believe, but 2005 was 20 years ago. Over the next few weeks I'm going to be looking at some stand out films from 2005 that are turning 20 in 2025. Today, it's the start of an animated franchise.

Edward R. Murrow: No one familiar with the history of this country, can deny that congressional committees are useful. It is necessary to investigate before legislating. But the line between investigating and persecuting is a very fine one, and the Junior Senator from Wisconsin has stepped over it repeatedly. We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. We must remember always, that accusation is not proof, and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law. We will not walk in fear, one of another. We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason if we dig deep into our history and our doctrine, and remember that we are not descended from fearful men. Not from men who feared to write, to associate, to speak, and to defend the causes that were for the moment unpopular. This is no time for men who oppose Sen. McCarthy's methods to keep silent or for those who approve. We can deny our heritage and our history but we cannot escape responsibility for the result. We proclaim ourselves as indeed we are, the defenders of freedom wherever it continues to exist in the world. But we cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home. The actions of the Junior Senator from Wisconsin have caused alarm and dismay amongst our allies abroad and given considerable comfort to our enemies. And whose fault is that? Not really his, he didn't create this situation of fear, he merely exploited it, and rather successfully. Cassius was right, the fault dear Brutus is not in our stars, but in ourselves. Good night, and good luck.

Good Night, and Good Luck (2005)
Starring: David Strathairn, George Clooney, Jeff Daniels, Patricia Clarkson, and Robert Downey, Jr.
Director: George Clooney
About: I have long been a fan of journalism films. In fact, if you've followed me for a while you know that these films not only engaged me but inspired me, dating back to when I was younger. I was a couple years out of college working as a journalist when I saw Good Night, and Good Luck for the first time. There is a lot to admire here. That begins with the craft, which is outstanding. Clooney is a talented actor but I've long thought he was even more talented as a director. The black-and-white here is powerful, as are the performances. This is a true story about Murrow, a talented and daring journalist who left a great legacy in the profession. This story was powerful at the time, and feels just as resonant now in 2025. It's also a reminder of why journalism, real, daring journalism matters. This is a beautiful film and worth celebrating as it turns 20 years old.