Everybody knows that Strathairn's performance as Edward R. Murrow is the number one reason to see this movie. Yup, he's great, but it also helps that he has a compelling character and great lines. This performance is (almost) as much a testament to Clooney (who co-wrote, co-starred with Strathairn in many scenes, and directed) as it is to Strathairn himself. So props to George Clooney, who proved he can direct and act in the same movie and not let his acting get in the way of his directing, or vice versa.
Also, Frank Langella! He is the number two reason to see this movie, and stands toe-to-toe with Strathairn and they come away as equals. Everyone else feels like a submissive member of the pack of which Murrow is the alpha dog.
By contrast, just what is the purpose of the Robert Downey / Patricia Clarkson subplot? Are we supposed to see how CBS is guilty of oppression by not allowing employees to be married? Are we supposed to see how CBS might have a stupid policy but the people who work there are enlightened enough to ignore the stupid policy? Are we supposed to simply be happy that "troubled but talented" Downey is getting work? It adds very little beyond enough time to the movie so that it cracks 90 minutes.
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