Monday, September 19, 2005
David Strathairn
Wonderful news! On September 10th, David Strathairn won the Best Actor award at the Venice Film Festival for his portrayal of Edward R. Murrow in Good Night, And Good Luck which is directed by George Clooney (yes, that George Clooney). David is one of those actors highly thought of by theater-goers but only known to movie-goers who read the credits although most would recognize his face. He's been in nearly 70 movies including Eight Men Out, River Wild and Memphis Belle (read his filmography and biography.) In addition to being a fabulous actor, by the way, he's a really decent person according to all who've talked about him; plus, he even remembers casual acquaintances like me and always makes you feel as if talking with you actually matters to him.
The title Good Night And Good Luck is the words with which Murrow ended every newscast. And also in it are actors you "may" have heard of: Robert Downey Jr., Ray Wise, Jeff Daniels, George Clooney (who?), Patricia Clarkson, Frank Langella etc. What a treat it must have been to watch this being made! Check out the official website and trailer including an awesome photo of David leading off the "gallery". GNAGL will open the New York Film Festival on September 23rd (!), has its U.S. Premiere on October 7th and its London Film Festival premiere on November 3rd. And there's already Oscar buzz about David's performance. The script will probably get lots of attention given its focus on Murrow's tangles with Joe McCarthy so I hope it's well and carefully written. It would be great if people see it who both do and don't already share its viewpoint, and then discuss it afterwards, however heatedly, as long as they listen to each other. In David's acceptance speech in Venice (spoken in Italian!), he said the film emphasizes a belief that journalists can "bring truth to all of us so that we can make better decisions about our lives". A salutary thought, regardless of one's political allegiance. But more to the point here: cheers to David!!
The title Good Night And Good Luck is the words with which Murrow ended every newscast. And also in it are actors you "may" have heard of: Robert Downey Jr., Ray Wise, Jeff Daniels, George Clooney (who?), Patricia Clarkson, Frank Langella etc. What a treat it must have been to watch this being made! Check out the official website and trailer including an awesome photo of David leading off the "gallery". GNAGL will open the New York Film Festival on September 23rd (!), has its U.S. Premiere on October 7th and its London Film Festival premiere on November 3rd. And there's already Oscar buzz about David's performance. The script will probably get lots of attention given its focus on Murrow's tangles with Joe McCarthy so I hope it's well and carefully written. It would be great if people see it who both do and don't already share its viewpoint, and then discuss it afterwards, however heatedly, as long as they listen to each other. In David's acceptance speech in Venice (spoken in Italian!), he said the film emphasizes a belief that journalists can "bring truth to all of us so that we can make better decisions about our lives". A salutary thought, regardless of one's political allegiance. But more to the point here: cheers to David!!
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