The Ides of March (B+ or 3.5/4 stars)
'The Ides of March' (co-written & directed by George Clooney, and adapted from a play, 'Farragut North') hinges on a specific date (March 15th, The Ides of March); a pivotal day upon which the events of the film focus - the Ohio Primary. Action starts 1 week before said date. The central character is Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling), who is chief strategist/press secretary for Pennsylvania Gov. Mike Morris (Clooney), an idealistic liberal who is hoping to snag the Democratic nomination for President from rival, Senator Pullman. Philip Seymour Hoffman plays Morris' head campaign manager, Paul Zara. And Paul Giamatti plays the opposition's campaign manager, Tom Duffy; a man jealous of Stephen's strategist talents. One other player in this story is Sen. Thompson (the great Jeffrey Wright), a primary drop-out with 356 pledged delegates whom could fall either way to whomever (Morris or Pullman) promises what he wants - Secretary of State.
With exception of Stephen, all of these men are cynical, compromised realists. But they're also in politics because they 'believed' in something; morals, loyalty, etc. Now, in an election year where the Democratic nomination would most likely go on to win the presidency over a weak Republican candidate ... everything hinges on this all-important Ohio Primary. The stakes couldn't be higher. Mistakes are not an option. And unfortunately for Stephen, he makes a few 'no-nos'. One of them includes starting a clandestine dalliance with smart, young intern, Molly (Evan Rachel Wood). But one fateful night, Stephen discovers an ugly secret involving Molly; leading to dirty politics, switches of allegiance, disillusionment, & tragedies (of various forms).
So you see, the film's layout is simple: we get a behind-the-curtains look at Morris' campaign. Then the characters & ensuing relationships are developed so that when the sh*t hits the fan, we are invested. And there's a great sense of uncertainty as the film barrels towards its final shot. You know, 'The Ides of March' does not reveal anything 'new' about the corruption in politics. But it doesn't have to. It's just telling a specific story (one we all know too well) about how lust & power factor into the political landscape. The film is also more about the young idealists who have always been & always will be corrupted by cynicism in politics. It's a soul-sucking, money-grabbing, vote snagging, backstabbing game; making it nearly impossible for anyone involved to hold true to their original values.
The strongest aspect of 'Ides' is the acting. Quite simply, this is one of the best dramatic ensemble displays that I've seen in a long time. George Clooney directs this film with quiet assurance; and his performance is stellar (suave, sincere, but with a thin veil of moral uncertainty about him). Philip Seymour Hoffman gives another astonishing performance as the loyal, intelligent, but suspicious, no b.s. veteran campaign manager. Every second of screen time with him is a gift to us. Ditto that for Paul Giamatti as PSH's rat-like rival campaign manager who's lost his humanity after a lengthy career. Marisa Tomei is effective in only a handful of brief, but potent scenes as the hungry-for-a-story journalist. And Evan Rachel Wood impressed me as the young, sweet intern who certainly 'seems' idealistic. Her scene in a waiting room, along with scenes shared with Ryan Gosling are palpable.
Speeeeaking of Gosling. Is there anything this guy can't do? Romantic Lead in The Notebook. Depressed teacher in Half-Nelson. Social misfit in Lars & the Real Girl. And then this year, alone: comedic turn as a smarmy ladies man in Crazy Stupid Love. Hard-boiled loner in Drive. And here, he plays the classic protagonist: someone with confidence & optimism whom we observe, identify with, & go for the ride with as he navigates the film's dark, sobering descent. The way Gosling's character instinctively switches into cold, self-preservation mode towards the end (when everything's crumbling around him) is great to watch.
You know, 'The Ides of March' - while well-received - is getting criticism is some circles for its screenplay (as mentioned, co-written by Clooney & adapted from a play). As far as dialogue is concerned, we're not witnessing Aaron Sorkin-like barbs (schucks!). Nor does it have biting dark humor like, say, Primary Colors. But it's still a smart, timely script; with enough lofty ambitions, betrayals, & interesting character encounters to satiate most viewers. I particularly loved how the Paul Giamatti character was written: you don't quite know why he reaches out to Stephen. His questionable motives are fascinating to consider. 'The Ides of March' may not be the most substantial or insightful political drama you'll ever see. But it's classy, impeccably made, brilliantly acted, & tells an enticingly meaty story. By the time the screen goes black, you're left wondering who - if anyone - actually got what they wanted in the end.
With exception of Stephen, all of these men are cynical, compromised realists. But they're also in politics because they 'believed' in something; morals, loyalty, etc. Now, in an election year where the Democratic nomination would most likely go on to win the presidency over a weak Republican candidate ... everything hinges on this all-important Ohio Primary. The stakes couldn't be higher. Mistakes are not an option. And unfortunately for Stephen, he makes a few 'no-nos'. One of them includes starting a clandestine dalliance with smart, young intern, Molly (Evan Rachel Wood). But one fateful night, Stephen discovers an ugly secret involving Molly; leading to dirty politics, switches of allegiance, disillusionment, & tragedies (of various forms).
So you see, the film's layout is simple: we get a behind-the-curtains look at Morris' campaign. Then the characters & ensuing relationships are developed so that when the sh*t hits the fan, we are invested. And there's a great sense of uncertainty as the film barrels towards its final shot. You know, 'The Ides of March' does not reveal anything 'new' about the corruption in politics. But it doesn't have to. It's just telling a specific story (one we all know too well) about how lust & power factor into the political landscape. The film is also more about the young idealists who have always been & always will be corrupted by cynicism in politics. It's a soul-sucking, money-grabbing, vote snagging, backstabbing game; making it nearly impossible for anyone involved to hold true to their original values.
The strongest aspect of 'Ides' is the acting. Quite simply, this is one of the best dramatic ensemble displays that I've seen in a long time. George Clooney directs this film with quiet assurance; and his performance is stellar (suave, sincere, but with a thin veil of moral uncertainty about him). Philip Seymour Hoffman gives another astonishing performance as the loyal, intelligent, but suspicious, no b.s. veteran campaign manager. Every second of screen time with him is a gift to us. Ditto that for Paul Giamatti as PSH's rat-like rival campaign manager who's lost his humanity after a lengthy career. Marisa Tomei is effective in only a handful of brief, but potent scenes as the hungry-for-a-story journalist. And Evan Rachel Wood impressed me as the young, sweet intern who certainly 'seems' idealistic. Her scene in a waiting room, along with scenes shared with Ryan Gosling are palpable.
Speeeeaking of Gosling. Is there anything this guy can't do? Romantic Lead in The Notebook. Depressed teacher in Half-Nelson. Social misfit in Lars & the Real Girl. And then this year, alone: comedic turn as a smarmy ladies man in Crazy Stupid Love. Hard-boiled loner in Drive. And here, he plays the classic protagonist: someone with confidence & optimism whom we observe, identify with, & go for the ride with as he navigates the film's dark, sobering descent. The way Gosling's character instinctively switches into cold, self-preservation mode towards the end (when everything's crumbling around him) is great to watch.
You know, 'The Ides of March' - while well-received - is getting criticism is some circles for its screenplay (as mentioned, co-written by Clooney & adapted from a play). As far as dialogue is concerned, we're not witnessing Aaron Sorkin-like barbs (schucks!). Nor does it have biting dark humor like, say, Primary Colors. But it's still a smart, timely script; with enough lofty ambitions, betrayals, & interesting character encounters to satiate most viewers. I particularly loved how the Paul Giamatti character was written: you don't quite know why he reaches out to Stephen. His questionable motives are fascinating to consider. 'The Ides of March' may not be the most substantial or insightful political drama you'll ever see. But it's classy, impeccably made, brilliantly acted, & tells an enticingly meaty story. By the time the screen goes black, you're left wondering who - if anyone - actually got what they wanted in the end.