Written by Markus Robinson, Edited by Nicole I. Ashland
Markus Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Rated R for pervasive language
Let’s get it said now (before I begin) that “The Ides of March”, if nothing more, contains the best male ensemble of the year. Starting with Oscar winners George Clooney (who also co-wrote and directed this adaptation of Beau Willimon’s play) and Philip Seymour Hoffman (Capote) and moving on to actors the caliber of Paul Giamatti (Sideways) and Jeffrey Wright (Source Code), who all work perfectly in tandem here. And let us not forget, the one, the only Ryan “everything he touches turns to gold” Gosling (Drive), who absolutely nails this performance, going head to head in a sort of thespian sparring match that is clearly worth the admission to see. Oh, and I can’t forget Evan Rachel Wood (who is not a man), but gives a very compelling supporting performance. The only person that doesn’t seem to pull their own weight is Marisa Tomei (My Cousin Vinny) who is unfortunately miscast here; but she’s barely in the movie long enough to criticize anyways, so let’s move on. It may be an interesting move to talk about the acting of this film before even discussing the actual content, but anyone who has seen “The Ides of March” will realize that it is the acting (and Clooney’s directing) that elevates this film from an above average movie to a MUST SEE.
Synopsis: This film follows the seemingly honest, MEGA liberal politician (isn’t honest politician an oxymoron?), Governor Morris (played by Clooney), who is running for president on the stance that he seemingly only tells the truth and doesn’t play dirty (something that no real politician would admit to for fear of being laughed out of Washington), and an idealistic and exceptionally charming staffer, Stephen Meyers (played by Gosling), who is working on the Morris campaign. With the pressure to play dirty politics from both campaign managers in his party (played by Hoffman and Giamatti respectively), Morris persists that he will win this campaign on his upstanding principals; and Meyers (who sees Morris as a father figure) believes that Morris’ character is the best thing for America. But when a scandal hits the Morris camp, is Gov. Morris really that much different than any other politician? Disillusionment is the key theme in this film, which is not really shocking when talking about Hollywood’s political movies, BUT to say that the content is cliché would be going too far. Because even though the themes might be B movie-esque the storyline is very compelling in its Shakespearean overtones.
Criticism of this film: Sure if you are a bleeding heart Democrat (which many critics are) or pro-life Republican than you are sure to find something to whine and complain about pertaining to the content of “The Ides of March”, but purely taken as a film where the political arena just so happens to be the setting for a dramatic plotline, I will defend this film by saying that it is well written, brilliantly acted and fantastically directed. In all fairness, this is a film that blasts all politics in America, saying that all politicians are selfish and even if they seem like they are doing something for the greater good, they all have ulterior motives. But don’t get me wrong, this is more than a film about just politics. “The Ides of March” is a film that contains a storyline of high dramatic entertainment value and also an interesting take on the rise of the antihero in a cruel and corrupt world (even though it is from a liberal standpoint).
Final Thought: The only redeeming quality of “The Ides of March” is not simply the acting, and those “critics” who attempt to disregard this film as such are rather FOOLISH in doing so. Also, I may be criticized by a lot of Clooney haters that claim that he is overrated as a director, so stop reading if you think I’m going off the deep end here in saying that “The Ides of March” is not only Clooney’s best directed film and one that shows that he doesn’t need to do the gimmicky black and white thing (Good Night, and Good Luck) or slapstick “comedies” (Leatherheads) to be taken seriously in Hollywood, but mark my words, beginning with this film, George Clooney will become a force to be reckoned with amongst the other heavy hitting directors of today. “The Ides of March” isn’t only one of the best political dramas I have seen in a while, but should also be assured multiple Oscar nominations this upcoming awards season. Let me spell it out for you: Best Director nomination: George Clooney, Best Supporting Actor nomination: Paul Giamatti and Philip Seymour Hoffman, and another Best Lead Actor nomination (“Drive” being the first) for: Ryan Gosling. So it shall be written…If you haven’t figured it out by now, that means go see this film!
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