George Clooney has been one of the few actors successfully mixing acting and directing. While one is reluctant to compare him to Clint Eastwood, he shares the great man’s eye for a good story. Helming movies like Confessions of a Dangerous Mind and Good Night and Good Luck, he seems intent on delving into what makes people tick. The Ides of March is no different with its examination of the American political machine as engrossing as his previous stellar work.
Stephen (Ryan Gosling) works as a Press Secretary for Democratic Governor Mike Morris (George Clooney). When his boss nominates for the Presidential Election, Stephen works alongside campaign manager Paul (Philip Seymour Hoffman) to ensure he wins. With Morris’ conservative rival riding high in the polls, with the help of steely campaign manager Tom (Paul Giamatti), they have their work cut out. Over the course of the campaign loyalties become tested as the race to the White House becomes an intense battle of wills.
Those already cynical to the ways of politics may not find much joy in The Ides of March. Such has been the level of distrust of politicians since the days of Watergate. Movies such as these have hardly put them in the best of lights. Clooney’s take is a fascinating look at how those in this world are forced to compromise principles in order to win. In this world numbers count more than promises with loyalty and trust scarce commodities.
Ensuring these elements remain fresh, Clooney relies on his stellar cast to effectively convey the ongoing machinations. Gosling is suitably impressive as the increasingly embittered aide slowly trapped in a vicious cycle. Hoffman, Giamatti and Clooney provide solid support with the many sub-plots as fascinating at the main game. Political enthusiasts may not discover anything new although movies in this genre rarely fail to engage but this one does so with skill.
The Ides of March is another string to Clooney’s directorial bow maintaining his established consistent quality. It’s fantastic seeing him work hard at creating his behind the scenes credentials with this latest further cementing his status as one of cinema’s bright stars.
Movie Review Rating 8 / 10
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
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