> REVIEW
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The Ides Of March (2011)
Clooney exposes the dirty underbelly of US Electioneering…
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By Matt Arnoldi | October 2011
DIRECTOR: George Clooney
WRITER(s): George Clooney/Grant Heslov/Beau Willimon (source)
Beware the ides of March. George Clooney’s political drama is an incisive tale of greed, ambition, blackmail and betrayal. It involves an election campaign, a Democratic governor, his longstanding campaign manager and an ambitious press officer in a tale that reveals that what is shown on the exterior is quite different to the whispers and conniving going on behind closed doors.
The film is based on the award-winning play ‘Farragut North’ written by Beau Willimon (a campaigner for Howard Dean) while the film is co-scripted by Clooney with assistance from frequent collaborator Grant Heslov.
Plot wise, liberal Pennsylvanian Governor Morris (played by Clooney) is hoping to be the Democratic nominee running for Presidency but must see off opposition from opponent Senator Pullman (Michael Mantell) who is also picking up crucial votes, so the result is by no means a certainty.
If Morris is going to win, it will be because of the conscientious efforts of his experienced campaign manager Paul Zara (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and the sharp manoeuvrings of Paul’s smart but also idealistic right-hand man, press campaign manager Stephen Myers (Ryan Gosling) and the film largely focuses on their efforts behind the scenes rather than on the primary candidates themselves.
We are told the votes of Ohio will determine who wins or loses. For those working for the winning Democratic nominee, there’s the possibility of a high-ranking job in the White House. For the losers, a mediocre job is likely in a consultancy.
In the melting pot too, is Tom Duffy (Paul Giamatti) a clever strategist working for the opposition who would love to de-stabilise Morris’ formidable election push, a pushy and inquisitive NY Times reporter (Marisa Tomei) and young impressionable student intern Molly Stearns (Evan Rachel Wood) who takes a shine to Press boss Myers.
Clooney took an interest in the machinations of the news media and its bearing on politics in his film Good night and Good luck (2005). The Ides of March though is in a different dimension with the main protagonists vying for power and prepared to go to literally any lengths to get it. It’s that angle that drives much of what happens in a plot which whilst being creditably intricate, does rather spell things out once you begin to see what is going on.
So how is it as a film? Clooney successfully opens out Beau Willimon’s play leaving you feeling the progression from play to film is a natural one. The film is tautly edited and the screenplay holds back some major surprises until they need to have a bearing on the plot.
Of the performances, Gosling and Clooney whilst prominent don’t have a lot to do even if they do share a crucial scene. It’s the supporting performances from the likes of Paul Giamatti, Marisa Tomei and particularly Philip Seymour Hoffman carry more weight and are the most entertaining.
Some may feel the cynicism underpinning the film is a little too strong, although it could also be argued that it’s just a realistic projection of how many on a high-stakes election campaign trail may behave. The most chilling aspect about The Ides of March is that it reveals some ugly traits of behaviour among those wishing to be elected which the electorate would disapprove of if only they knew about it. Those in the know, however, may not be at all surprised and may feel that Clooney isn’t offering anything particularly new.
What this film is, though, is a competent exercise in illustrating political conniving with solid performances from an all-star cast. It not only has a few subtle twists but also offers true resonance beyond the back-biting, blatant lies and dark cynicism which entertainingly pervades the film.
Script…………………………………………………………………………………………….
Heslov and Clooney’s script is slick and realistic with backstabbing dialogue
that is both punchy and chilling. 4
Direction………………………………………………………………………………………..
Clooney’s direction is deft and intelligent with good management of big crowd
scenes and busy offices. 4
Verdict…………………………………………………………………………………………..
A sharp political drama that combines humour, artistry and a healthy dose of cynicism in its capture of the political underbelly of US electioneering. 4
