Film Review: The Ides of March

The Ides of March (2011) Ambition seduces and power corrupts in a nerve-wracking thriller from Academy Award® nominated director George Clooney (Good Night, and Good Luck). Idealistic campaign worker Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling) has sworn to give all for Governor Mike Morris (Clooney), a wild card presidential candidate whose groundbreaking ideas could change the political landscape. However, a brutal Ohio primary threatens to test Morris’s integrity. Stephen gets trapped in the down-and-dirty battle and finds himself caught up in a scandal where the only path to survival is to play both sides. The all-star cast includes Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood.

Starring: Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Evan Rachel Wood

Directed by: George Clooney

Runtime: 101 minutes

Studio: Sony Pictures Entertainment

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Review: The Ides of March 

George Clooney’s film looks at the dark side of American politics. It centres on the efforts of junior campaign manager Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling) to secure the Democratic primary for Governor Mike Morris (George Clooney) of Pennsylvania. Morris has one more candidate to beat – the Arkansas Senator Ted Pullman (Michael Mantell) whose campaign is spearheaded by Tom Duffy (Paul Giamatti). Both candidates are debating in Ohio and looking to secure the favour of North Carolina Senator Frank Thompson (Jeffrey Wright) whose endorsement will decide which man becomes the Presidential candidate. Stephen’s work alongside senior campaign manager Paul Zara (Philip Seymour Hoffman) sees him exposed to the dirty business of politics when he makes a mistake that costs him everything.

Stephen’s error is in having a secret meeting with rival Tom Duffy who wants Stephen to defect from Morris and support Pullman. Duffy plans to offer Thompson a lucrative position in exchange for his endorsement, something Governor Morris won’t consider given that he hates Thompson. Though Stephen refuses to join Duffy he fails to tell his manager, Paul, immediately and things take a turn for the worst when New York Times reporter Ida (Marisa Tomei) reveals to Stephen that his meeting has been leaked to the press. If that wasn’t bad enough Stephen has started a relationship with an intern, Molly (Evan Rachel Wood), and when she receives a call from Governor Morris in the middle of the night which Stephen accidentally answers, some shocking secrets come to the fore which leave Stephen in something of a quandary. He knows of a scandal in Morris’ camp and when Paul fires him he has to decide whether to walk away or take revenge.

Clooney’s drama may not surprise you in its depiction of the corruption that goes on in politics but it’s still fascinating all the same. It doesn’t matter what country it is, I have come to expect some shady dealings within governments and The Ides of March does a great job of depicting a complex web of lies and deceit while Governor Morris pursues the ultimate prize. Clooney’s charismatic Morris appears squeaky clean but when Stephen uncovers a dark secret the real face of the Democratic candidate is revealed. The best thing about the film is how Stephen approaches the campaign when he is out of a job. I anticipated him taking action and brutal revenge but I was somewhat taken aback by his concluding actions. Compare Stephen at the outset to his final appearance in the closing reels and you will see a man who has been changed forever by the political game.

The Ides of March is an excellent political drama with a first rate cast. There are so many great actors here that Clooney was in danger of underusing them but as director he gives them all equal billing while taking a backseat himself until the whole sorry mess of Morris’ political campaign unravels at the death. Gosling carries the film well until then and delivers a compelling performance in the loss of decency and innocence he still retains at the outset.

Verdict: 4/5

(Film source: reviewer’s own copy)

About the Author:

I was born in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, England and have always been a bookworm and enjoyed creative writing at school. In 1999 I created the Elencheran Chronicles and have been writing ever since. My first novel, Fezariu's Epiphany, was published in May 2011. When not writing I'm a lover of films, games, books and blogging. I now live in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, with my wife, Donna, and our six cats - Kain, Razz, Buggles, Charlie, Bilbo and Frodo.

David M. Brown – who has written 779 posts on Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave.

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