Director
George Clooney
Leading Actors/Actresses
David Strathairn, George Clooney
Supporting Actors/Actresses
Robert Downey, Jr., Patricia Clarkson, Jeff Daniels, Frank Langella
Genre
Historical Drama
Language
English
Awards
Nominated for six Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Leading Actor for Strathairn, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Art Direction
Date of Release
October 7, 2005
Producer
Grant Heslov
Setting and Context
The United States, the 1950s
Narrator and Point of View
Through the point of view of narrator Edward R. Murrow
Tone and Mood
Serious, Intriguing, Fun, Educational, and Critical
Protagonist and Antagonist
Edward R. Murrow vs. Joseph McCarthy
Major Conflict
The conflict between Edward R. Murrow and Joseph McCarthy is the major conflict of the film. As Murrow tries to discredit McCarthy's tactics, McCarthy fights back.
Climax
When it is announced that McCarthy is being investigated.
Foreshadowing
Don Hollenbeck's death is foreshadowed by how disheartened he seems by the criticism against him throughout the movie.
Understatement
Innovations in Filming or Lighting or Camera Techniques
Though not innovative, the film is well-shot. Shot in color, it was transferred to black and white in post-production.
Allusions
Allusions to history, popular culture, politics, people, literature, and quite a few other things.
Paradox
When Paley says "I'm with you today Ed, and I'm with you tomorrow," we know this cannot be completely true, because Paley is also in thrall to investors, so there is a limit to his loyalty.
