Adam Collins posted on October 07, 2011 08:02
“Beware the ides of March.” A warning uttered from the Soothsayer to the ill-fated Julius Caesar in Shakespeare’s classic tragedy. George Clooney’s latest film shares many Shakespearean traits including tragedy, loyalty, betrayal, and even a little comedic relief. The script, written by Clooney and Grant Heslov, is based on a play by Beau Willimon, who also co-wrote the script, titled “Farragut North.” Clooney also has directing duties.
Ides of March achieves an odd goal. It is a political film in which the politics do not matter. Personally, I am not a liberal guy. In the movie, the politics that are spouted from the mouth of the two Democratic Presidential candidates are quite liberal. Yet, the politics of the film are not front-and-center. In fact, they are damn near irrelevant to the story and really take a backseat to the campaign managers, and the stories of what happens behind the scenes of a campaign.
Stephen Myers (Ryan Gosling) works under Paul Zara (Philip Seymour Hoffman) as the campaign manager for Governor Mike Morris (George Clooney). On the other side of the Democratic ballot, Tom Duffy (Paul Giamatti) heads the campaign for Senator Pullman. Paul and Tom hate each other with every ounce of their beings. It is clear from the start that Stephen is the next big thing. Paul has him, Tom wants him. Both know the other’s weaknesses.
Ides of March centers on the Ohio Primary. This primary could end the Democratic race, and award the Presidential nomination to either of the two candidates. Also in the mix is the endorsement from Senator Thompson (Jeffrey Wright). His endorsement and delegates could seal the deal for the nomination.
Not only are they backing different Presidential hopefuls, but both campaign managers have different strategies and different lines that they are willing to cross. Morris and his team are trying to do everything on the up-and-up. Come on. This is politics. Nothing is on the up-and-up. On the other hand, Duffy will do what he has to. Paul and Stephen try to stay within the constraints set forth by Morris. Loyalty is tested. Betrayals come to light. Every character’s moral fiber is tested. In the end, nobody really wins. There are just varying degrees of loss.
The writing and directing are solid, but it is the incredible acting that really carries Ides of March. In addition to all the actors I have already listed, Marissa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood also turn in great performances. Tomei’s portrayal of Ida, a news reporter, works well as a catalyst for many events. Wood as intern Molly hits tragedy at every turn. She and Gosling really steal the show. Gosling, for the third time this year, turns in a powerhouse of a performance. Hoffman and Giamatti are impressive. Clooney really takes a backseat to the other actors in his movie, but nevertheless, manages to amaze.
While Ides of March is an enjoyable film, political movies are not very popular at the box office. I know that it is not really a political film, but will most Americans understand that? The trailers do not do it justice. This film is well worth the watch and the price of admission if you like and appreciate good acting. If not, there are boxing robots opening this weekend, too.
Rating: 8.5/10