The Ides of March

Starring: Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Marisa Tomei, Jeffrey Wright, Evan Rachel Wood
Directed by: George Clooney
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
2011

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: An ideal political staff (Ryan Gosling) believes that his candidate (George Clooney) has to win. However, political maneuvering and scandal threaten to jade him on the process.

Review:

Tim: The Ides of March is a tense, taut, exciting political thriller. It gives a terrific behind-the-scenes look at the ups and downs of a political campaign. It features everything you would expect in such a film- there's scandal, betrayal, lying, and the dirty politics we've come to expect from American government. It's an interesting story, features a few great twists, and also has an incredible cast. This is a great all around movie.

The cast is pretty amazing. Ryan Gosling has had an incredible 2011. People often claim that George Clooney is the last true movie star. I think Gosling could be the heir apparent. He gives such a strong, passioned performance in this film. His character undergoes the greatest transformation, and you believe it every step of the way. He has a wide range of emotions, and hit all those notes perfectly. It's a very strong performance, and so important to the movie. His costar, George Clooney, likewise gives a very good performance. I like these movies where Clooney plays more of a supporting role. The limited time allows him to maximize his effectiveness in each scene he's in. He is perfectly believable as a charismatic governor running for President. It's so much fun to see Clooney and Gosling interact together on screen. I'd love to see them continue working together, because they're two of the best actors in Hollywood today.

The rest of the supporting cast is very strong. Philip Seymour Hoffman adds so much to the film as the experienced political strategist on Clooney's campaign. Hoffman only has a few scenes, but he's mesmerizing every moment he's on screen. He was great in the role. Paul Giamatti was very good as Hoffman's counterpart on the opposite campaign. Giamatti isn't as strong as Hoffman, but he does give a very strong performance. He has a few excellent, tension-filled scenes with Gosling. Jeffrey Wright's presence is welcome in a small role. I was actually surprised that I didn't like Marisa Tomei more. I usually love her in any role, but I thought she was far less effective than she could have been. Evan Rachel Wood also gives an especially strong performance. She and Gosling worked very well together, too. Overall, the cast is pretty amazing. I loved it.

George Clooney directs an impressive, effective movie. The story is interesting and exciting (as you might expect with it's Broadway roots), but the movie works because Clooney does terrific work behind the camera. Every scene seems important and moves the film along. There didn't seem to be any meandering or ineffective moments. I hope Clooney continues to make movies, because he has real talent behind the camera.

I love political movies. I think they are inherently fascinating and can be pretty intense. The Ides of March is such a memorable, fast moving political drama. It's a great, great movie.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Good Night, and Good Luck; Primary Colors, Drive, The Descendants