The Ides Of March Review

Director: George Clooney

Starring: Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, Paul Giamatti, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Evan Rachael Wood, Marisa Tomei, Jeffrey Wright, Jennifer Ehle, Max Mingella.

Running Time: 101 Minutes

Certificate: 15

Synopsis: An idealistic staffer (Gosling) for a newbie presidential candidate (Clooney) gets a crash course on dirty politics during his stint on the campaign trail. Based on the play by Beau Willimon.

Acting superstar George Clooney has taken to directing in the same way the likes of Clint Eastwood or Mel Gibson has, effortlessly juggling all forms of film making with a few bumps along the way (LEATHERHEADS) but making some great entertainment. Crafting films that make a statement and tell an interesting tale in the process. His previous directorial efforts, CONFESSIONS OF A DANGEROUS MIND and GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD LUCK were superb pieces of cinema that told both fascinating as well as gripping stories. Clooney was able to get incredible performances from his leads in both films (Sam Rockwell and David Strathairn). He also knows how to assemble terrific supporting casts in each of them, including himself in unshowy roles, choosing to stay on the sidelines allowing the other actors to show their worth.

For his latest feature, THE IDES OF MARCH, Clooney has again gathered together a top-notch cast and a leading man to rival any film this year. After starring in two of the best films of the summer with DRIVE and CRAZY, STUPID LOVE (both cruelly overlooked by audiences), Ryan Gosling adds another committed performance to his impressive C.V. as Steven Meyer. His character is speech writer and spin doctor of ‘squeaky clean’ presidential candidate Mike Morris (George Clooney)

The film is a griping portrayal of the lengths some people will go to in order to get to the top, even if that means hurting the ones you love and the friends that got you there. Filled with faultless performances, particularly Phillip Seymour Hoffman,the CAPOTE Oscar winner is terrific as campaign manager Paul Zantz. His character oozing class when on screen, his only demand from his staff is loyalty in this unforgiving world of shady back pocketed deals with selfish individuals wanting their piece of the pie. A touch hypocritical when he himself is setting up or sanctioning such plans.

Its Gosling’s film though, Steven Meyer has belief that his boss is the man that can make a difference, change the lives of so many and will not bow to any pressure in that quest. It is soon apparent that his faith in presidential hopeful Morris is going to be tested to the limit. Meyer’s growing affection for a young intern (Evan Rachael Wood) uncovers an devastating secret that threatens to blow Morris’ campaign to pieces. Not helping matters is Steven’s decision to secretly meet rival campaign manager Tom Duffy (Paul Giamatti) out of curiousity. A decision that itself poses a major problem and may even derail his own rising career in the political world when journalist Ida Horowicz (Marisa Tomei) gets wind of the meeting.

The film shares similarities with the brilliant 1972 Robert Redford picture THE CANDIDATE and on the whole highlights the idea that everyone has their flaws, albeit some more significant than others. Peoples ideals regarding faith and belief that one figure can make a difference and change peoples lives for the good. All that essentially amounts to nothing when these figures are only in it for themselves, pointing to fact that everyone has a price for there own soul when making deals with the devil.

Gripping Stuff!

THE IDES OF MARCH is released 28th October 2011