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Good Night, and Good Luck
2005
Drama, History
1h 33m
The real-life conflict between esteemed television newsman Edward R. Murrow and Senator Joseph McCarthy.
Directed by:
George ClooneyGood Night, and Good Luck
2005
Drama, History
1h 33m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 60.85% from 4901 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews
(4928)
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Rated 20 Jan 2007
98
99th
One of the best movies I have ever seen in my entire life. It's stylish, with superb acting and one of the tightest plots ever put to film. Add to this a strong moral message about the responsibility of the news media that is still relevant today and you net yourself a fantastic film.
Rated 20 Jan 2007
Rated 26 Nov 2013
90
90th
Amazing and tight story with a morale that somehow seems ever so relevant and important now at the brink of televisions death as it did 50 years ago. Strathairn is a force of nature and his presence is out of this world. The movie is brief and to the point and thus an great appetizer before you continue your evening with Redford's "Quiz Show" and ultimately ruining your evening and positive outlook on life with the amazing "Network".
Rated 26 Nov 2013
Rated 17 Jan 2007
80
66th
Not the masterpiece that the reviews hyped it as, and Clooney's direction isn't quite up to brilliant yet, but it's definitely competent and he produced a fine work here. The black & white photography is sumptuous, and I think a smart move for this film. Strathairn is ballsy and commanding as Murrow, and the supporting actors are all at least adequate (although Downey seems to be doing a Clooney impersonation). The subplot about Downey and Clarkson was a nice parallel to the main story
Rated 17 Jan 2007
Rated 04 Mar 2009
7
68th
Reminded me of Network a lot but nowhere as good. Some amazing acting is featured here and the script is tightly packed and moves nicely. McCarthy was an idiot.
Rated 04 Mar 2009
Rated 14 Aug 2007
88
84th
A very dry and sophisticated take on ethics in journalism.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
97
97th
This ladies and gentlemen should have won the oscar for best picture. Words cannot explain how amazing this movie is. I'm only 18, and I know that I am one of the few people in my age bracket who appreciate this film. As a journalism major my score maybe somewhat biased, but there is not a doubt in my mind that this was the greatest movie of the year. All of the perfomances are spot on and delivered with a poignancy that is somewhat unheard of today in films. I honestly think that this movie wa
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
93
98th
I thought this was a great film. It's so simple in how it's shot yet the environments created and the actors combined really bring about a lot of emotion that sets the scenes. I liked the use of actual footage to let McCarthy speak for himself. It's just really well done all around.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
94
99th
I hate Joe McCarthy, period.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
93rd
I really liked this movie. This story hasnt really been told well before and I thought they did a damned good job of it.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
83rd
Mesmerizing, especially if you don't know very much about the events depicted.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 27 Feb 2007
3
38th
This is a fine movie; it's not really the most gripping material, but it's technically competent on every level, and well above competent on many. The main draw of this is the great acting on display. It also has some pretty nice B&W cinematography, though it can feel forced at times when it tries to use it to make cigarette smoke look cool; overall, though, it's a very good stylistic decision.
Rated 27 Feb 2007
Rated 07 Jan 2014
10
6th
At the time, this was one of the most boring films I'd ever watched.
Rated 07 Jan 2014
Rated 06 Sep 2011
75
72nd
"Good Night, and Good Luck." is a small, but pungent and explicit film, directed with elegance and finesse (and in glorious B&W) by Clooney, sharply written and solidly acted. Although its scope is limited and there is minimum dramatic tension, it remains a compelling, atmospheric and inspirational essay on Edward R. Murrow, who is brought to life by David Strathairn in a suavely precise performance. Quiet and understated, it's still packed with enough force and perspective to satisfy.
Rated 06 Sep 2011
Rated 03 Apr 2010
20
44th
Unabashed hero worship of the "crusading" CBS newsman. (In the lead role, Strathairn has Murrow's somber countenance, speaks with his cadence, and goes through a full carton of his coffin nails.) Clooney, son of a TV newscaster himself, and high-profile Hollywood liberal, would no doubt be pleased if the sitting duck of the past were taken to be a stand-in for the fluttery fowl of today -- and pleased, too, if Murrow's example were held up to the news networks of half a century later.
Rated 03 Apr 2010
Rated 21 Feb 2010
4
45th
A very well done recollection of a very scary time.
Rated 21 Feb 2010
Rated 13 Oct 2008
8
78th
(2nd viewing) I loved the mood, overall style and music, as well as Strathairn's portrayal of Murrow, but a film needs a good script. Like user MLafer said, too much "was taken from actual historical footage"; not exactly a smart move at only 85 minutes. Other than that, a must see!
Rated 13 Oct 2008
Rated 26 Jul 2008
95
87th
Stylish, interesting and brilliant! Awesome film from Clooney!
Rated 26 Jul 2008
Rated 19 Jul 2008
40
20th
This thing bored the hell out of me.
Rated 19 Jul 2008
Rated 11 Nov 2007
100
96th
A fantastic, and I would say a very important film. Edward R. Murrow was an incredibly brave and often overlooked person. Clooney did
a great job of handling a story that is a window into a terrifying time in our history. The acting is wonderful as well.
Rated 11 Nov 2007
Rated 28 Aug 2007
0
1st
Liberal B.S.
Rated 28 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
96
98th
A tightly scripted and directed film. Fantastic performances and quick paced style make it my favorite film of 2005.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
7
84th
A very well-made cinematic portrait of Edward R. Murrow's verbal war with McCarthy, and although Murrow died long, long before I was born, I'm told that Strathairn's performance is spot-on. It keeps it tight at 90 minutes rather than pointlessly drawing it out like many historical films, so props for that. The subplot with the secretly married couple is from a different movie, and knocks it down a point.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
96
97th
Powerful, timeless and nearly perfect. David Strathairn does an amazing job.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
50
12th
The subject matter just does not resonate with me. Had I been alive during the period of the movie I would have cared for this movie a lot more, and I really wanted to. But the urgency of the times doesn't translate to me.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
91st
This film restores your faith in film-making. And, in some ways, in humanity. It's not a BIG film, in terms of action and plot, but it's very, very big indeed in terms of acting and character. A true character-driven movie, with a truly brilliant turn by David Strathairn. As a movie-lover, this movie just gladdened my heart.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
52nd
Good film but I don't have much of a desire to re-watch it. Of course I was very sleepy at the time and this movie probably needs non-sleepy viewing.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
94
95th
Stunning movie, with some majorly good perormances especailly from Strathairn, and great direction from Clooney.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 01 Jul 2007
95
89th
A near-perfect and riveting illustration of how few things really change over fifty years.
Rated 01 Jul 2007
Rated 18 Mar 2007
89
83rd
Good Night, and Good Luck is a thought-provoking biopic that profiles one of America's greatest heroes that no one knows anything about.
Rated 18 Mar 2007
Rated 11 Mar 2007
100
99th
Lucid voices and courageous opinions at that time.
Rated 11 Mar 2007
Rated 01 Mar 2007
84
83rd
Some top quality edu-tainment right here. Gripping.
Rated 01 Mar 2007
Rated 13 Dec 2006
100
95th
This film is in so many ways a window not only into our past but a window of our current world. If only more people would see this and then look outside and see the fear mongering that Bush is doing as the same thing Mcarthy was doing back then..
This move also reminds .. Strike that. Brings to light what TRUE reporting used to be.. If only our media of today would pluck up the courage to be somewhat like Mr Edward R. Murrow might we be better off?
Humbaly yours.
Rated 13 Dec 2006
Rated 01 Jan 2024
65
66th
The only genuinely good thing Clooney has ever done (at least when it comes to film). Informative and entertaining.
Rated 01 Jan 2024
Rated 27 Aug 2023
73
41st
I am unsure what I saw so it is hard to critique. Certainly the trailer made it look like compelling viewing, and the critiques to date consider it highly. I saw neither of those things so I figure the problem is me.
Rated 27 Aug 2023
Rated 23 Apr 2021
100
86th
https://esperwatchesfilms.tumblr.com/post/649274878630985728/good-night-and-good-luck-2005
Rated 23 Apr 2021
Rated 02 Feb 2021
3
72nd
an homager to a bygone era of real journalism.
Rated 02 Feb 2021
Rated 20 Oct 2020
70
55th
I appreciate the slander on McCarthy.
Rated 20 Oct 2020
Rated 12 Aug 2020
60
41st
Well made covering of an older story with good performances. Also the under 90 minute runtime is refreshing compared to most historical dramas aiming for nearly two and a half hours.
Rated 12 Aug 2020
Rated 07 Nov 2019
89
85th
A tremendous script and taut yet lingering editing make Good Night, and Good Luck one of the best films of its kind. The cast led by Strathairn excels at emulating the fast-talking style of films from the era, and in concert with the black-and-white photography and old jazz standards create a transcendent viewing experience that draws the viewer in and does not let them go until well after the credits have finished.
Rated 07 Nov 2019
Rated 13 Mar 2018
88
36th
All of the ingredients are there, but something was missing. It didn't quite create the intensity Clooney was going for.
Rated 13 Mar 2018
Rated 07 Dec 2017
75
50th
well made and acted but bland and forgettable.
Rated 07 Dec 2017
Rated 19 Jun 2017
50
37th
This is a correct movie with captivating performances, but very uneven storytelling, certainty a downer movie.
Rated 19 Jun 2017
Rated 25 Sep 2016
75
61st
Very stylish and very inspiring dialogue but still didnt move me for some reason.
Rated 25 Sep 2016
Rated 05 Sep 2016
70
76th
A documentary in all but cast, this breezy nothing film has no through-line and while it's very pretty, it means nothing.
Rated 05 Sep 2016
Rated 28 Apr 2016
12
55th
Need to rewatch.
Rated 28 Apr 2016
Rated 26 Mar 2016
75
36th
A slow burning drama. Everything is deliberate and natural. Wonderful to see a film in black and white in the modern age!
Rated 26 Mar 2016
Rated 20 Feb 2016
8
36th
Star Rating: ★★
Rated 20 Feb 2016
Rated 02 Dec 2015
8
71st
Clooney's competence as a director shows through the stylish and apt use of monochromatic imagery, and the cast (especially Strathairn as the fearless, if flawed, Murrow) does a great job of breathing life back into the era of McCarthy with a picture that works as both a timeless morality play and as a historical window.
Rated 02 Dec 2015
Rated 11 Jun 2015
73
35th
Densely cerebral, preachy but appropriately so, the film is a standard historical docudrama with contemporary resonance. Clooney's lionization of Murrow and social commentary is laid with a heavy hand, but it's also a bit too esoteric to seem unnatural. With its B&W cinematography and tasteful production design, it also embraced the style of '50s white collar America before Mad Men made the same aesthetic -- smoking, clean suits and slick hair -- seem even more fashionable just 2 years later.
Rated 11 Jun 2015
Rated 07 May 2015
58
40th
An unusual film in that the writing feels tight and smart, while the direction is all too often flat and distracting.
Rated 07 May 2015
Rated 15 Mar 2015
65
45th
A mostly dull movie that is only watchable because the actors are all really good. The story itself isn't much really. Newsman Edward Murrow being the first real media person to challenge McCarthyism. It was important but ultimately lacked much drama. McCarthy looked like a fool the entire time, Murrow and the rest of the newsman looked smart and heroic and ballsy. They add a weird, maybe true hidden marriage subplot to add drama, but the movie didn't do anything to make me actually care for it.
Rated 15 Mar 2015
Rated 03 Dec 2014
78
71st
(2nd watch)
Rated 03 Dec 2014
Rated 09 Oct 2014
88
50th
David Straithairn continues his wonderful gallery of ascetics with Murrow, in Clooney's fine evocation of that black and white period of reds/white-blues. "Have you, finally, no decency, sir?" Mc Carthy's brute face answers, eloquence, unaware.
Rated 09 Oct 2014
Rated 14 Feb 2014
72
42nd
The black and white was really well done, but there just wasn't enough substance here to keep me interested. A surprisingly quick watch, but it always felt it was missing something, perhaps a stand-out performance. The actors all take their roles relatively seriously and do well, but no one opens themselves up to empathy or understanding, so the audience is left simply as spectators, not participants.
Rated 14 Feb 2014
Rated 07 Oct 2013
30
35th
good luck forgetting this
Rated 07 Oct 2013
Rated 11 Jun 2013
70
43rd
Although Good Night, And Good Luck may appear boring at first glance, there is solid substance to this movie. The black and white filming is quite crafty, the acting is top notch, and the historical value is powerful. George Clooney has done a terrific job of making a clever film.
Rated 11 Jun 2013
Rated 03 Jun 2013
100
95th
Black and white movie about such a small event in the US history, yet it is completely fascinating.
Rated 03 Jun 2013
Rated 18 Mar 2013
4
74th
A fascinating historical document, as both insight of how the Cold War was fought at home and depiction of early television production. The choice to film in black and white is appropriate and exploited wonderfully. The production design, sets, costumes... it's all fantastic. And of course the cast is stellar.
Rated 18 Mar 2013
Rated 22 Feb 2013
85
81st
A powerful and relevant political history film. A gripping profile of courage and integrity in the face of ignorant hysteria.
Rated 22 Feb 2013
Rated 28 Jan 2013
62
66th
More than the story of Murrow or McCarthy, there's a far greater tragedy being told here. In an atmosphere where most fear the consequences of standing up against tyranny, a small group risk speaking out through a new mass media. They are not crushed by the tyrant; instead the tyrant crumbles. But no sooner has the enemy been overthrown than the heroes are undone - not by their enemies but their colleagues, whose hands are now forced by the same media machine. Which brings us to the present day.
Rated 28 Jan 2013
Rated 21 Jan 2013
74
75th
Good film. Great cast. George Clooney directs the heck out of this film; I liked his subtle approach of the material, but I also feel like that held the film back a bit. Also, it's a little short.
Rated 21 Jan 2013
Rated 28 Nov 2012
80
88th
The movie is short, simple and elegant. The best part of this movie being the amount of drama is perfect. The acting, script, direction and presentation of this movie is what makes it really good. A good movie, recommended for one and all alike.
Rated 28 Nov 2012
Rated 12 Aug 2012
79
72nd
The fact that I'd just seen a great documentary on Murrow's entire career just made this feel a little flat. It doesn't go deep enough for me. That said, it's a very good film with a great performance... and it looks fantastic.
Rated 12 Aug 2012
Rated 06 Jul 2012
90
93rd
Amazing direction from Clooney, crisp black and white visuals, and the use of actual news footage is a master stroke. If he didn't do that, this film wouldn't have the impact that it has
Rated 06 Jul 2012
Rated 18 May 2012
90
76th
The era of McCarthyism, another time in American history bridled with fear-mongering lunatics such as the vociferous Sen. Joseph McCarthy, who had an alacrity for demonizing the innocent. The film was inundated in with B&W, which without would'nt have been the same. You must give a pat on the back to Clooney and Heslov for entertaining a relevant part of American history that is even more pertinent than ever before. Overall, the film's message is the real accomplishment here.
Rated 18 May 2012
Rated 18 Jan 2012
60
43rd
I must confess, I found it pretty boring. Films about politics don't usually hold my attention. The television aspect was a bit more interesting, but not enough. It certainly had its strong points - the cinematography was nice and it had a whole lot of great actors, both big names and lesser-known ones. Nevertheless, this wasn't enough for me to enjoy it thoroughly. Not a bad film, just not a film I liked very much.
Rated 18 Jan 2012
Rated 03 Nov 2011
86
79th
We watched this in high school...great movie!
Rated 03 Nov 2011
Rated 12 Sep 2011
70
38th
An ultimately slight film that feels incredibly quaint and modest with very little emotion and the doco aspect is stressed far more than drama. That is something to either applaud to dismiss the film for, but it does have quite a feeling for its era.
Rated 12 Sep 2011
Rated 08 Aug 2011
80
37th
A fun slice of the 50's with a great cast. Gorgeous black and white.
Rated 08 Aug 2011
Rated 03 Aug 2011
84
72nd
The subject matter is a bit dry, and it is not so much a story as it is a chronicle of historical event. This leaves it in a realm of movies that is not quite entertaining to watch, but enlightening and informational, to get a window into history.
Rated 03 Aug 2011
Rated 01 May 2011
70
36th
I'm not a fan of intentionally black and white films. Just seems... stupid to me. It was funny how much smoking was going on. I guess they were dedicated to authenticity? A nice movie.
Rated 01 May 2011
Rated 29 Mar 2011
75
75th
Nice debut from Clooney. Great acting with a great script and I never felt bored while watching it all... Nice to see Jeff Daniels in there as well. Joe McCarthy was a lunatic.
Rated 29 Mar 2011
Rated 16 Mar 2011
90
85th
Clooney is going to make a masterpiece some day. Good Night and Good Luck is really good, but hopefully it's just a harbinger of things to come.
Rated 16 Mar 2011
Rated 21 Feb 2011
70
70th
Quoting E. R. Murrow (a terrific Strathairn) is adequate: "We are currently wealthy, fat, comfortable, and complacent. We have a built-in allergy to unpleasant or disturbing information; our mass media reflect this. But unless we get up off our fat surpluses, and recognize that television, in the main, is being used to distract, delude, amuse, and insulate us, then television and those who finance it, those who look at it, and those who work at it, may see a totally different picture, too late."
Rated 21 Feb 2011
Rated 30 Jan 2011
90
81st
Amazingly engaging, beautifully shot and convincingly acted.
Rated 30 Jan 2011
Rated 08 Nov 2010
35
90th
"The film's bedrock is Strathairn's performance, a masterpiece of calibrated dignity and self-doubt." - Nick Schager
Rated 08 Nov 2010
Rated 01 Oct 2010
73
20th
There is nothing really wrong with this movie, but somehow every aspect of it left me unimpressed. Specifically the story is quite dull, which is emphasized by the unimaginative B&W Cinematography and style. Worth to watch if you're interested in McCarthyism and 1950s USA.
Rated 01 Oct 2010
Rated 22 Sep 2010
73
88th
Tight script excellent acting and a great job by Clooney. Loved the black and white.
Rated 22 Sep 2010
Rated 23 Aug 2010
82
83rd
Good movie. The script is well-writen, acting is great and Clooney's directing is good. I also like the black and white style.
Rated 23 Aug 2010
Rated 16 Aug 2010
75
59th
Much better than I expected. Not a big fan of George Clooney, but it holds my attention all through.
Rated 16 Aug 2010
Rated 26 Apr 2010
85
82nd
Well made period piece about McCarthyism. Gripping.
Rated 26 Apr 2010
Rated 08 Mar 2010
91
92nd
Utterly fascinating and beautifully shot. Could have been an hour longer and I wouldn't have minded.
Rated 08 Mar 2010
Rated 19 Feb 2010
70
50th
Der Film setzt Grundkenntnisse der amerikanischen Geschichte voraus um ihn komplett zu verstehen. Darüber hinaus können alle Schauspieler überzeugen. Ich freue mich auf mehr solcher Filme von George Clooney.
Rated 19 Feb 2010
Rated 25 Jan 2010
80
44th
Very inspired, seems like a stage play, almost.
Rated 25 Jan 2010
Rated 07 Jan 2010
55
33rd
Well acted, and great mood, but never rises above the level of reverent biopic.
Rated 07 Jan 2010
Rated 25 Dec 2009
65
25th
At the time this was a nice well done movie dealing with censorship and making a political comment about Bush. As such this movie has lost urgency, as Bush is no longer in power.
Rated 25 Dec 2009
Rated 24 Dec 2009
72
19th
Its heart is in the right place, but the story didn't really interest mw--at least not the way it was told here.
Rated 24 Dec 2009
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