This claustrophobic drama about CBS journalist Edward R. Murrow facing down Joseph McCarthy in the early 50s delivers a timely lesson on cold-war hysteria, media politics, and journalistic courage, though the strong dichotomy between good and evil sometimes suggests a classic western. Director George Clooney shot the movie in black and white, combining actors (including David Strathairn as Murrow) with archival footage of McCarthy; the results are striking, though more theatrical than cinematic. The use of a jazz singer (Dianne Reeves) performing at the studio is especially effective, which helps one overlook the egregious anachronism of such a detail. With Clooney, Robert Downey Jr., and Frank Langella. PG, 90 min. (JR)