The Ides of March (2011)
By thisguyoverhere | October 7, 2011
Cast: Ryan Gosling, Evan Rachel Wood, Philip Seymour Hoffman
Directed by: George Clooney
Written by: Grant Heslov, George Clooney, Beau Willimon
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Democratic governor Mike Morris (Clooney) is running for President of the United States and is backed by an incredibly talented campaign team headed up by veteran Paul Zara (Hoffman) and newcomer Stephen Meyers (Gosling). Morris has a strong lead in the polls in his home state of Ohio, but as Meyers finds himself questioned by a ruthless journalist (Marisa Tomei), romantically involved with an intern (Wood), and headhunted by the campaign manager of the competition (Paul Giamatti), things quickly start to unravel. In his downward spiral, Meyers inadvertently uncovers a secret that could put an end to Morris’s political career.
This taut political thriller demonstrates filmmaking at its most efficient. Clooney flexes his directorial muscles, using restraint as yet unseen by the actor-turned-director. The result shows every level of the process working at peak levels. He develops tension through classical compositions and good ol’ fashioned visual storytelling, not allowing style get in the way.
The Ides of March (2011) | Ryan Gosling
Perhaps the greatest strength of The Ides of March is its roster of actors. Not only is it brilliantly casted, but it makes perfect use of each actor. These aren’t roles that will boast acting accolades, but rather an ensemble piece where each part contributes to the whole. Ryan Gosling uses his infinite talent and appeal to carry the film through its varying cast of characters: the opportunistic competition, played earnestly by Paul Giamatti; the steadfast campaign manager, catered specifically for Philip Seymour Hoffman; as the no-nonsense candidate Clooney aptly cast himself; and Evan Rachel Wood plays the emotionally conflicted young intern.
The Ides of March boasts a very well-written script that simultaneously feels topical and timeless. It’s an economical and systematic thriller that preys on the ethical and moral questions surrounding political campaigns; one that emphasizes the blurred lines between right and wrong. To its limitless benefit, it remains unbiased in terms of political agenda, so there is no didactic leftist (or right-wing) dogma being shoved down our throats. It simply exists as a beautiful canvas for all politics to be projected upon.
USA. 101 minutes. Rated R.
