The Ides of March is not only relevant for the times we live in, but it shows the madness behind the politics and how we elect our leaders (and it isn’t pretty). The film, directed, co-produced, and co-written by George Clooney, is a powerful, slick political thriller about one man’s journey and his belief in the system, and we watch it deteriorate as the film unfolds. Clooney shows us an even dirtier side to politics. Most of us already know that greed, power, and corruption play a huge part in politics. But do we know how far these politicians are willing to go or what they will do for it? Clooney tries his best and it’s a great effort on his part and the tremendous, top-notch cast he brings with him.
Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling) is young and idealistic, and is damn good at what he does. He is the press secretary for Governor Mike Morris (Clooney) and believes in him because Morris believes in what he stands for. Or so he thought. Set during the days leading up to a Ohio Democratic presidential primary, Morris’s team needs to win the endorsement of a senator (Jeffrey Wright) whose rival delegates could guarantee him the nomination. And while Morris’s campaign manager, Paul Zara (Phillip Seymour Hoffman), strongly suggests he offers the senator a spot in the White House, Morris does not want to make those kinds of deals.
Morris is running against Senator Pullman (Michael Mantell). His campaign manager, Tom Duffy (Paul Giamatti), wants Stephen to come aboard the winning side and abort the Morris campaign before it’s too late. But Stephen is dedicated to Morris and can only see his guy sitting in the Oval Office. Stephen contains one of the worst things you could possibly have in politics: a conscience. However, Stephen cannot resist mixing politics with romance as he starts sleeping with one of his interns, Molly Stearns (Evan Rachel Wood), whose father has a lot of power in the political world. He gets caught up in the temptation and has no idea what he has gotten himself in to once he finds out she has been seeing someone else. Someone he may know.
The Ides of March is not only about the dark side of politics and how rough of a ride the campaign trail can be, but it is the backstabbing, the empty promises, and the media manipulation (which Marisa Tomei as a New York Times reporter fits in perfectly) that makes this film entertaining, suspenseful and full of surprises. And the credit (at least some of it) must go to Clooney. His vision behind the camera is just as precise and refreshing as it was when he directed his first film, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind. He leaves out policy and his own views and tells a story about people who have lost their ideals and the havoc that occurs because of it. And his performance as Gov. Morris is fantastic.
Clooney plays a character that is unflattering and only disappoints—something that most politicians seem to do best. Morris is a smooth-talker who promises change and who strives to make a real difference (remind you of someone?). Along with Stephen, we find out he is not the man we thought he was or hoped he would be. It is treachery at its finest.
The real star of the film is Gosling. It’s him we follow as the corruption, backstabbing, and secrets begin to unravel and he undoubtedly gets caught up in it. He is a true believer in Morris and supports what he stands for whole-heartedly. Now Stephen is cocky and knows an opportunity when he sees it. At times, his ego can get in the way and sleeping with the intern and the meeting he has with Duffy, are examples of that.
The difference with Stephen is he is still has his morals and really is trying to do the right thing, but still wants to win. Of course, that is the ultimate goal here. But once he is met with deception and betrayal, what he fought so hard for doesn’t mean a thing. Politics will eat you up and spit you out and Stephen is a victim of that. However, not for long. Like they say, if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.
Gosling keeps getting better and better with each film he does. In this film, he displays trust and confidence as Stephen, but can show danger in his face, especially in the eyes. His performance is strong and sympathetic. But, I must say, while this performance is exceptional, I do not think anything can top his intense, mesmerizing portrayal as Driver in Drive. And the rest of the performances are just as sensational.
Hoffman’s Zara knows the system and world that he works in, and loyalty is rare but can be found. However, if he stops trusting you then he has no problem cutting you off. No matter who you are. And Giamatti’s character is a master manipulator and wants to win at any cost. He will lie, cheat, and steal if it enables him to get a victory. Also, Wood is a fearless actress who not only offers beauty and romance for this film. But, she becomes a sacrifice in order to hide the truth.
The Ides of March is a high-class, well-made film all the way. Politics is a tough, stressful, dirty game to play, but some were made for this game. The film shows us some of the best players at it. Everyone, no matter who you are, has a price in the political world. There are things these people do that we would not be able to live with. Or they simply know things that we would probably never want to know. Clooney gives the audience a taste of that because we probably couldn’t have a whole serving of it. And just like with Good Night, and Good Luck, he puts the subject of politics in to a story that is about people and their choices.
All of the performances demand and deserve the highest-praise. This political drama is intelligent and engaging. But, it isn’t afraid to go over to the dark side in order to get a message across. There is no doubt The Ides of March is gripping and provocative, and Clooney only scratches the surface.
Brandon Vick is a member of The Music City Film Critics’ Association, the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and the star of The Vick’s Flicks Podcast. Follow him on Twitter @SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.
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