Good Night and Good Luck

MP:

This was the continuation of my pre-oscar marathon. Every year, I try to see all films nominated for best picture and any other who have enough nominations or a specific nomination I find interesting. I try to see them all before the big night, so I can make up my mind about who I want to win, and why.

Good Night and Good Luck was next on my list. Best film, best actor, best supporting actor among others.

The good points.
It looked fantastic. They did everthing to blend in the archive footage of the 50's (there was lots of them, and a lot was a very intricate part of the story): black and white film, specific lighting, out of focus shots, frames that were in style in those days...they even went and put lots of dust on the film, so that the image looked old, damaged, not new. (Nice touch, although sometimes, I thought there was lots of it) and there was a slight back sound. Everything sounded like it was played off an old gramophone. There was the hhhhrrrrrr in the back throughout. I liked the attention brought to the esthetic of the film. The archive footage fit right in, and it was believable. Good stuff.

Now. I thought it was nicely acted out it was a great cast, but maybe not to a degree of Oscar nominations... it is debatable. But hear my next point out.

The film was very very political. I had the feeling that lots of people who didn't live in the states in the 50's would have trouble relating to the witch hunt that was going on at that time to catch any communists or communists collaborators. Me myself, not being particularly saavy about the USA politics in the 50's, I must of had a few things slip by without noticing, and so, probably didn't comprehend the total inner dialogue the actors might have had. I admit to that.

I did enjoy the movie, but know I really would have apreciated it to its true value if I was either alive in the 50's, or knew more about american politics and Senator what's his name. I do think that is unfortunate. But I did enjoy the movie very much anyway. so that's a good sign.