George Clooney gets political

George Clooney's causing controversy in the US with some describing his new movie Syriana as a political slap in the face reality check. George has been one of Hollywood's most recognised faces for years but he has been causing quite a stir with his new movie illuminating the human consequences of the fierce pursuit of wealth and power. After years of light hearted films including Intolerable Cruelty and Ocean's 11 but George has got political and his latest film is a politically-charged epic about the state of the oil industry in the hands of those personally involved and affected by it. George has been accused of being unpatriotic but the actor, who also produced the film, insists he is just raising the debate. He said: 'We were in the process of a very quiet time in America where journalism had taken a pass on asking questions. There was no opposing view of any issues because you'd be called unpatriotic. 'At least you're not being called unpatriotic or a traitor for asking questions, which I think is important, I think it is good. 'That's what sparked me for this film and Good Night, and Good Luck I said I'm not going to be quiet because someone has called me a traitor. It's the most ridiculous argument I've ever heard. 'The most patriotic thing you can do in a country is question the government.'

ITN | February 23, 2006

Tags:. .got. .faces. .check. .power. .political