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Goodnight And Good Luck Mccarthyism Analysis

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Throughout the film, various themes become evident; the most obvious of themes as mentioned was McCarthyism. McCarthy used the power of media to intensify the “Red Scare”, to the point that individuals began to question and judge anyone who they believed to be a communist whether they were or not. Although McCarthyism ended, it left many jobless, due to accusations of communism, “ ten thousand Americans lost their jobs because of their past or present affiliation with the Communist party”. Lastly, McCarthyism lead to constant suspicion and one might say it manifested hatred between Americans. Similarly the theme of dissent goes hand in hand with McCarthyism and is also prevalent throughout the film. McCarthy was stripping the American people …show more content…

It was time where suspicion, distrust and fear were widespread throughout the country. People were more concerned about their own personal welfare than the problem at hand. McCarthy’s methods were both thoughtless and vicious; because he wanted to accomplish his goal regardless if it meant violating the rights and values of the American people. Clooney managed to capture the essence of this to an extent; he kept his political views to himself and portrayed the realism of America in the 1950’s. He presented the facts and information in an accurate manner, by doing so; it gives the viewers a sense of the history without polluting their minds. The use of archived clips and the fact there was no actor playing McCarthy added to the authentication of the film. Clooney used a simplistic approach by not over staging this film. Similarly an intricate story was allowed to be told; it focused on the truth and impracticalities of the trials and showed the downfall of Senator Joseph McCarthy “ In the end, the principal and most pathetic victim of McCarthyism would be- McCarthy himself”. As a result of this, it not only broaden ones understanding of this era, it gave a great insight into America during the 1950’s. Although this may be a film, this is based on a very true piece of American

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