The Ides of March

I’ve always thought George Clooney would make for a lovely President of the United States. For one, the American actor has a suave, ridiculously charming and effortlessly cool personality. He gives the impression that he is an intelligent, confident and well-spoken man during interviews and TV appearances. He’s undeniably handsome, having won People Magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” twice. He’s a ladies’ man, with flirtation practically his second language.

He’s sexy, though in a way that straight guys can say is sexy without feeling, well, un-straight. His teeth are so white they make Bill Clinton look like 2Pac. Also, wikipedia says he’s done some big important humanitarian and political work a few times or something or other (I skim read the page). Anyway, given these key facts, I reckon if Clooney were to run for the presidency he’d win with his hands tied behind his back; plus, he’d be the first Batman to run for office, though hopefully sans bat-nipples.

In “The Ides of March,” Clooney plays a man who is running for the presidency. This man is Mike Morris, the suave and charming Democratic governor of Pennsylvania. Currently, he is attempting to win over the state of Ohio, competing against rival presidential candidate Ted Pullman (Michael Mantell, “Ocean’s Thirteen”), the Republican senator of Arkansas. Helping Morris in his campaign are senior campaign manager Paul Zara (Philip Seymour Hoffman, “Capote”) and junior campaign manager Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling, “Drive”).

While only in the junior position, Stephen is frequently shown to be the real brains behind Morris’ campaign. He understands elections and how they work. He understands how voters’ minds operate and what Morris should say to sway voters either way. He knows what will make people vote for Morris and what will make people not vote for Morris. I may be making him sound sneaky and crafty in a devious way, but he’s not, at least not at the film’s beginning. You see, Stephen genuinely believes Morris to be the best man to sit in the president’s chair and he will do anything within his power to make sure his man wins the election, but a corrupt man he is not.

One day, Stephen is contacted by Senator Pullman’s campaign manager, Tom Duffy (Paul Giamatti, “Sidways”). Duffy reveals he wants Stephen to dump Morris and come help support Pullman’s campaign instead. Stephen is appalled and says no. Soon after, Stephen begins an affair with an intern for Morris’ campaign, Molly Stearns (Evan Rachel Wood, “Thirteen”). This ends in Stephen learning of a scandal that could possibly destroy Morris’ campaign. His opinion of Morris begins to change. He’s not the man Stephen thought he was. But should Stephen remain loyal and stay with Morris, or ditch him and go with Pullman?

“The Ides of March” has a wonderful story that’s fully engaging from the opening scene right up to the chilling closing moments. The story has a superb set of characters who each have their own motivations and sense of purpose. These characters are acted without fault, the film fitted with a cast of well-respected, enormously talented actors. The dialogue, which is sometimes humorous and sometimes emotional, is rich, witty and highly entertaining. All in all, it’s an unqualified success that’s very difficult to falter in any specific area.

The film not only stars Clooney, but is also co-written and directed by the hunky silver-top. It follows his previous directing stints on “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind,” “Good Night, and Good Luck” and “Leatherheads.” Blissfully ignoring that last one, one can see he’s already proven himself to be an exceedingly talented filmmaker as well as a supremely commanding screen presence; “The Ides of March” only serves to further support this reputation.

Clooney, along with fellow writers Grant Heslov (“Good Night, and Good Luck”) and Beau Willimon (writer of the play “Farragut North,” on which the film is based), successfully keeps the story stimulating and intriguing throughout. The story is given much weight through its characters, who are engaging and well-developed. The plotting is sharp, teeming with quick twists and well-timed character moments. At times dramatic, at others sly and comical, it’s a story that is infinitely compelling and handled with care and attention.

Gosling, who’s only recently risen to public attention and become a household name, makes for a fabulous lead alongside slightly more distinguished actors such as Paul Giamatti and Philip Seymour Hoffman (both of whom are as excellent as ever). Gosling convinces as a man who comes face-to-face with a moral dilemma and is forced to question his own loyalty. He’s a committed, ambitious and skillful press secretary who must become corrupt in light of unexpected events; he must lose his innocence and his ideals if he is to survive. The character is not necessarily a sympathetic figure, but instead an endearing character played with much charisma by the talented Mr. Gosling.

“The Ides of March” is not necessarily a thriller, but it feels like one. It’s a political drama that’s overwhelmed by a frequently intense mood while not giving into typical cinematic thrills. It’s a good-looking, splendidly written and marvellously acted drama that goes down well as captivating entertainment. I suppose you could say it’s march-nificent. Look, even I cringed at that.

9/10