The Ides of March, a pessimistic take on politics, receives a timely release with the nation's future as uncertain as ever and President Obama's approval ratings dropping to record lows.
Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling) is the press secretary for the presidential campaign of Pennsylvania Gov. Mike Morris (George Clooney). Morris is the left-leaning liberal's wet dream; a handsome and charismatic politician who happens to be an atheist, pro-choice, anti-death penalty, and he wants to tax the rich and phase out combustible engines within ten years. Suspension of disbelief may be required to believe Morris stands a snowball's chance. The only threat to his bid for the Democratic nomination is Sen. Pullman (Michael Mantell). He isn't nearly as popular or photogenic as Morris, but conservatives will vote for him because they know he doesn't stand a chance against the Republican candidate.
Stephen receives a call from Tom Duffy (Paul Giamatti), the rival campaign manager for Pullman. He foolishly accepts a meeting with Duffy, which sets off a chain reaction that could derail Morris' bid for presidency and Stephen's entire career.
The A-list ensemble cast includes: Evan Rachel Wood as an intern and love interest for Stephen, Philip Seymour Hoffman as Paul Zara the campaign manager for Mills, Jennifer Ehle as Mrs. Cindy Morris, and Marisa Tomei as a New York Times reporter.
As a director, George Clooney has shown he has studied under the learning tree of Steven Soderbergh and the Coen Brothers. He has accumulated a diverse filmography that includes the Charlie Kaufman-penned Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, the stark black and white drama Good Night, and Good Luck (one of the best film's of 2005), and the screwball comedy Leatherheads. The Ides of March isn't as strong as his sophomore effort, but it is a throwback to the politically charged thrillers of the 1970's. Clooney is clearly mimicking the work of Alan J. Pakula and Sidney Lumet. Not too shocking as Clooney has named Lumet's Network as one of his favorite films of all time.
The Ides of March is based on the play, Farragut North, which written by Beau Willimon who worked on the 2004 presidential campaign of Howard Dean. The play took its title from the subway station in Washington D.C. that sits at lobbyist central. In the play and the film (which was adapted by Clooney and writing partner Grant Heslov), Farragut North is a looming specter as the place where failed politicos go when ideals die. Tom Duffy warns Stephen that staying in politics too long will leave you cynical and jaded. That is the central theme of the movie as it follows the formerly optimistic Stephen's descent into compromise, blackmail, and backroom dealings.
The first act does a splendid job focusing on the little-seen gears and cogs of the political machine. Highlighted by clever, Sorkin-esque dialogue, Ides delves into the dirty deeds and subterfuge that goes along with the glad handing and fundraising. The film diverges from the play when it adds a series of soap opera twists and turns, none of which is as interesting as the earlier sections. The plot sags a bit in the middle before picking up towards the end. Thankfully, the ultra-talented cast lifts the material above its melodramatic trappings. Gosling is given more dialogue than Drive, but exudes the same simmering quality. It's also a treat to see actors of the caliber of Paul Giamatti and Philip Seymour Hoffman verbally sparring as two old campaign war horses. Though he's only in a handful of scenes, Jeffrey Wright brings a commanding presence as a North Carolina senator bucking for a cushy cabinet position in exchange for his vital endorsement.
The Ides of March had all the makings of an awards season darling and a classic political thriller. It doesn't reach those lofty levels the way Michael Clayton or Good Night, and Good Luck did. However, it is a well-made picture solidly directed by Clooney and packed with excellent performances.
Rating: *** (*****)
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