Good Night and Good Luck

If you have ever watched the film, Good Night and Good Luck, you might ask yourself; “Why did the film industry choose to create this old setting movie in today’s times?” Well though the film’s setting may be vintage, the theme is very much alive and breathing today. In my opinion, the theme of the movie shows while the media chooses sides on any given story, the government has some influence on what messages can and can not be conveyed.

The setting of Good Night and Good Luck takes place in the mid 1950’s. Edward R. Murrow, a broadcast journalist of the Columbia Broadcasting System sets out to challenge Senator Joseph McCarthy of his accusations against anyone he suspects to be a communist. While Edward’s actions may seem to be ethical to some people, others will disagree just like the contrast between the Yin and the Yang.

In present times, the same conflict between the media sources and government can be observed. In my opinion, no broadcasting network is equal. Some are partisan and some are filled with sensationalism. They may make claims that they are fair and unbiased, but it is absolutely not true. Take a look at Fox News for example. They are anti-democratic and practice what I consider to be a form of yellow journalism based on the two links I posted.

Today, terrorism is the new communism. Civilians are constantly being monitored. I feel at times that I can’t board an airplane without practically being strip searched nor talk on the phone and send an email without the prying eyes of the USA PATRIOT Act. Even journalists like Lara Logan feel the pressures of the government when reporting a story. In the following clip, Lara is defending herself from President, George W. Bush and Vice President, Dick Cheney after being accused of “carrying the terrorism message!”

So why did the film industry opt to make Good Night and Good Luck a couple of years ago? To me, the answer is pretty obvious. Bias news and an oppressive government, some things may never change.