Phlogiston

McCarthy and his witchhunts may well constitute the darkest of periods in American history, but this wonderful film does not seek to reiterate what is common knowledge (although it does reproduce the climate with such detail that it is hard to doubt its authenticity). Instead this is a study in journalistic integrity, personal integrity, and the possibility of freedom of thought, freedom of speech and the freedom of the press. What could so easily have been turgid, or overly politicised, is instead made compelling by the characters and their portrayal. Lighting, cinematography, design, editing, direction and writing all combine to make this something simply beautiful to watch, and David Strathairn’s performance as Murrow is spellbinding. The final lesson of the film seems to me to be a challenge to us the audience to demand more from journalism, to create an atmosphere in which journalists like Murrow can thrive, by questioning our desire to only want entertainment, not education from our media. Easily worth all the kudos that it has so far received.