Clooney's play critiques current threats to press freedom

George Clooney is back on stage in New York City, performing in a Broadway adaptation of his movie "Good Night, and Good Luck." The play, set in the 1950s, revisits journalist Edward R. Murrow's battle against Senator Joe McCarthy, who made baseless accusations of communism against many individuals. Clooney expressed his fear and excitement about performing live. He believes that pushing through discomfort is valuable. The play highlights Murrow's belief that questioning authority is not disloyalty. He famously argued that fear should not drive people to silence. The term “McCarthyite” now describes those who make unproven accusations of disloyalty. Clooney notes that this idea is resurfacing in today's political climate under Donald Trump. The play also addresses contemporary issues, including a clip of Elon Musk’s controversial gesture, which drew gasps from the audience. Clooney's 2005 film received critical acclaim, but he feels the current situation is worse, with a resurgence of anti-democratic sentiments. He argues that people need to speak out against falsehoods. Clooney recalls how his father instilled the importance of truth and standing up for what is right, a lesson he continues to apply today.