Young campaign staffer Stephen Myers (Ryan Gosling) wholeheartedly believes in the power of politics and democracy. He believes that if the right candidate can make it to the Oval Office, the power can be restored to the people. And he truly believes that the candidate he represents (George Clooney) is the man to make it happen.
Because he exudes charm and conviction, Stephen is a wanted staffer by every other political candidate. Stephen is married to the campaign and doesn’t have to play dirty – or so he thinks. After making one seemingly innocent bad decision, Stephen’s world is turned upside down. Not only is the dirty nature of politics brought to light, but he’s faced with having to suffer the terrible consequence of his bad decision or get his hands dirty and play like everyone else.
Although ‘The Ides of March’ begins with heavy political mumbo jumbo that may leave the non-political savvy behind, that period is brief. Before long, it all becomes clear and the thrilling drama places its emphasis more on the characters than the politics they work in. Not knowing politics in great detail, I can vouch for the film’s easy consumption for all audiences.
Trailers make ‘The Ides of March’ out to be a Clooney-driven picture, but in reality it’s Gosling’s story. Clooney plays a necessary character, but it’s more of a supporting role. I don’t say this to discredit Clooney at all, but rather to emphasize how great Gosling is. He carries this film like a seasoned long-time actor. Surrounded by a fantastic supporting cast including Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti and Evan Rachel Wood, it’s hard for this film to do any wrong.
Clooney also gives a great performance, but even stronger than his acting is his directing. It somehow slipped past me that ‘The Ides of March’ was a Clooney-directed picture until the closing credits. Yet throughout the film, as I noticed how great the directing was, I kept asking myself, “Who directed this picture?” Upon realizing that it was Clooney, I wasn’t surprised at all.
‘The Ides of March’ is one of the most awards-worthy films of the year so far, featuring some of the most noteworthy filmmaking all around. It’s definitely one you shouldn’t miss – even thought it may make you a political cynic.
Rating:
Aaron Peck
I gave it a 3 out of 4 in the paper, maybe a 3 1/2 out of 5. 4 out of 5 would be pushing it in my opinion. It was good, but I don’t know. Felt like it was missing a little something.
Jane Morgan
A thriller needs a girl and a gun.
‘The Ides of March’ is a work of flagellation. To cathartically dispel the failure of Obama, who turned out to be less liberal than Nixon.
It’s a pre-election Hollywood colonic.
Aaron Peck
There’s a girl and a smoking gun. Does that count?
Jane Morgan
A smoking gun is a mystery. A thriller requires pulling the trigger.
Dail Whiteley
is it me or is Hollywood pushing ryan gosling as the next great thing?. i haven’t seen this one or drive but the movies i’ve seen him in he really doesn’t make the movie , the movies make him and because of him , i don’t care to see either one.
Aaron Peck
Have you seen ‘Blue Valentine’? He definitely MAKES that movie. I think he’s a great actor. Should be nominated for ‘Drive.’
T.J. Kats
Agree on Blue Valentine. He should have been nominated for that one.
Luke Hickman
I’m loving Gosling – as in heterosexual man-crushing on him. He’s at a point where he can do whatever he wants. The dude is shining brightly right now. I hope he keeps it up.
Julian
Agreed! Man-crush seconded. He’s awesome in “Fracture”. Whenever I bring him up, I call him the “best actor born in the 80’s”.
Jane Morgan
‘Lars And The Real Girl’ is still my favorite Gosling.
Luke Hickman
How could I forget it! That’s a favorite of mine and my wife.
Jane Morgan
That movie made me want to buy a Real Doll for our living room decor.
My husband thought the money was better spent on a hunting rifle. The Ruger No. 1 Varminter K1-V-BBZ.
We settled on a 50″ Panasonic G10.
It’s interesting how even the smallest movies help steer our lives.
Aaron Peck
The thing that bugged me about this movie was that it just solidified a fact that I already knew. Politicians are dirty whores, and I never want to run for office.
Julian
I’d vote for you, Aaron.