Director-star George Clooney's The Ides of March is the perfect film to mirror our time, when the approval rating of the United States Congress is at an all-time low and the divisions between the two major parties and thei... more »r constituents are wider than ever. Everyone'll have some kind of nit to pick with this rather self-serious film. Right-wingers won't like the fact that the central politician (Clooney's Governor Mike Morris of Pennsylvania, who's running for president) is a liberal Democrat who advocates raising taxes on the rich, supports a woman's right to choose, and may be an atheist ("My religion is the Constitution."). But the Left won't be thrilled by the notion that even among the most seemingly high-minded, the desire for victory and the behind-the-scenes maneuverings and compromises made to achieve it easily trump quaint notions like loyalty and integrity, and secrets are like bullets to be fired at close range, where they can do the most damage. The backdrop is the Ohio Democratic primary, a tight race between Morris and a senator from Arkansas. Both candidates have smart, able folks working for them, with Morris's world-weary campaign manager, Paul Zara (Philip Seymour Hoffman), and idealistic press secretary, Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling), countered by the opponent's shrewd campaign leader, Tom Duffy (Paul Giamatti). But smart people make mistakes too, and when Stephen meets semi-publicly with Duffy, who tries to lure the young man over to his side, he opens a can of worms with a stink that leads to some very dark places; nor does his dalliance with a young campaign volunteer (Evan Rachel Wood) turn out to be a great idea, to say the least. With Marisa Tomei (as a reporter) and Jeffrey Wright (as an Ohio senator whose endorsement may decide the race) also along for the ride, this is one of the best-cast movies in recent memory, and they're all excellent--especially the ever-reliable Giamatti and Hoffman, whose old political vets have some wonderfully juicy scenes. The dialogue is literate and sharp; the story's twists and turns are, for the most part, surprising enough to keep you in your seat. Best of all, it's another chance to shake our fists at the hubris and cynicism of the people who're supposed to be representing our best interests. --Sam Graham« less
A group of great stars did not make for even a good movie!
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George K. from COLCHESTER, CT Reviewed on 3/21/2015...
This film, with many not-so-veiled references to Bill Clinton, shows insider politics in a harsh, nasty light.
The cast does a fine job, and the twists and turns work believably, if unkindly.
So tempting to go into detail, risking a spoiler. Here it is: The movie shows that every member of this particular (and probably every) political campaign has feet of clay.
The movie is definitely worth watching.
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Susan Y. from OCALA, FL Reviewed on 10/2/2012...
I am not into politics so I dont know how to rate this movie, I did not care for it although the cast was great.
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Tanner D. (TD) from URBANDALE, IA Reviewed on 4/5/2012...
As a disclaimer, I know next to nothing about politics, its processes, and campaign regulations; thus, I couldn't say anything as to the validity of what was projected in this film. What I can attest to is the striking and seemingly effortless fluidity put on display in co-star and director George Clooney's film. The Ides of March features a blockbuster cast headed by a very smart and focused Ryan Gosling whose cool demeanor is, at times, pulsating. I can't recall another recent film that had such an accomplished cast that delivered so effectively in that each key actor and actress carried a small bit of the film and each helped propel it forward. The editing was air tight and the cinematography helped create moments of tension, jubilation, and suspense. The story itself was incredibly interesting and the screenplay team managed to keep it lucid. This is Clooney's fourth directorial showing on the silver screen and he appears to be mastering his craft as this thrilling film of integrity, honesty, and deceit paves a new road for future political films.