“You stay in this business long enough, you get jaded and cynical.” This is one of the many insights into the dirty underworld of politics offered by George Clooney’s “The Ides of March.” A modern day satire, “The Ides of March” is an absorbing tale of political disillusionment.
The film follows idealistic Stephen Meyers, played with finesse by 2011’s man of the hour Ryan Gosling, as he tries to win the White House, but not for himself. Meyers is the campaign managing protégé stuck cleaning up everyone else’s messes. Meyers deals with everything from the aftermath of poor media portrayal to scandalous affairsGosling’s performance is one of the best of the year and showcases exactly why he is in such high demand at the moment. His facial expressions alone could win him the Oscar. He particularly shines when Meyers is at a point of despair, pulling off an air of desperation and pain that is entirely believable.“The Ides of March” has received particular attention for being directed by Academy Award winner George Clooney. Clooney also stars in the film as Governor Mike Morris, a minor role of a liberal politician looking for the DFL president nomination. Being on both sides of the camera clearly gave Clooney insight, as “The Ides of March” truly is an actor’s movie.
The soundtrack, the script, the cinematography are all secondary to the performances given by the all-star cast. Aside from Clooney and Gosling, the film also stars Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Evan Rachel Wood, and Marisa Tomei.
Each give notable performances in the type of roles actor hope for. Hoffman is the standout of the supporting cast, playing Paul Zara, Meyer’s mentor, with the grit expected of a hardcore politician. His chemistry with Gosling is palpable, making him the only cast member to give Gosling a run for his money.
Overall “The Ides of March” is an intelligent, thought-provoking film, with a talented cast. It is the type of film to stick with you, with concepts and perspectives that stay on your mind long after the credits roll.
