The Ides of March is the latest vehicle for George Clooney, a political thriller that looks behind the Stars and Stripes at the lies and deceits that litter the campaign trail that aims to install his character, Governer Mike Morris, in the Whitehouse.
As well as taking the starring role Clooney also directs this piece (his first time at the helm since 2008′s very forgettable Leatherheads) but he’s brave enough to take a backseat in front the camera, leaving most of the acting to the enigmatic Ryan Gosling who, in his best role to date, plays Stephen Meyers, the idealistic campaign manager, and Evan Rachel Wood as troubled intern Molly Stearns. Added to that are a strong set of supporting actors including Paul Giamatti and Philip Seymour Hoffman which helps to make the Ides of March one of the slickest dramas of the year. Another notable quality of the film is how tightly it’s scripted, in fact it’s so razor-sharp you could cut yourself. I can see how some people might consider it to be a little too dry and emotionless at times, but to my mind that quality in the writing is neatly echoed in the personality of the lead man, who hides an utterly cold, calculating and ruthless core beneath a veneer of buttoned-up respectability and idealism.
If you’re a fan of political drama then don’t wait around – despite its well-deserved place in movie theatres I doubt this intelligent slice of political intrigue has much of a shelf-life, given the big, sparkly lumps of family entertainment that are just around the corner for the Christmas season. It’s certainly not for everyone, but the Ides of March is a must see for the intelligent movie-goer. Highly recommended.
About Pete Stean
