The Ides of March

We've all seen films about politics whether they be based on fact or fiction, but in the case of "The Ides of March", this was set in a fictional story, however it could've easily been based on a true story.

This is a political thriller centering around an idealistic staffer, campaign manager, Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling) for a newbie presidential candidate, Governor Mike Morris (George Clooney) gets a crash course on dirty politics, on both sides of the aisle, during his stint on the campaign trail along with Paul Zara (Philip Seymour Hoffman) who is the senior campaign manager whom he buts head with more than once along the way.

Others to round out the cast are Paul Giamatti as Tom Duffy, campaign manager for the Republican candidate, Evan Rachel Wood as Molly Sterns, a senior intern of Meyers, Marisa Tomei as the slimy news journalist, Ida Horowicz, Jeffrey Wright as Senator Thompson, Max Minghella as Ben Harpen, another senior intern of Meyers, Jennifer Ehle as Cindy Morris, wife of Mike Morris, and Gregory Itzin as Jack Sterns, Dad of Molly and head of the DNC (Democratic National Commitee).

This was perfectly directed by Clooney ("Confessions of a Dangerous Mind" '02, "Good Night, and Good Luck" '05, "Letherheads" '08) and suspect that Clooney could pick up yet another Oscar nomination. The way he just slowly built the tension mostly surrounding the Meyers character was brilliant. At one point in this film, one would really not want to be in Meyers shoes. It was effectively written by Clooney, David Heslov and Beau Willimon. It's know wonder it was well written considering one of the writers, Willimon wrote the play, "Farragut North" which the film was based on. This element can add much more richness to how the the script develops. Clooney could basically perform his role in his sleep, but I think this was to showcase what Gosling can do with an incredibly complex role. 

I really haven't seen quite the intensity in a political thriller to this degree since 1976's "All the President's Men" which was about the Watergate scandal and the uncovering of it as it broke out. This will continually keep you guessing of what is going to happen next and to whom. What is extremely refreshing here is that the film jabs at both sides of the aisle and not just one particular party, and you rarely, if at all, see this coming from Hollywood.

Out of 4 stars: 3.5                     Rated: R                        101min.