Ides of March review
George Clooney’s latest directorial effort, the political thriller Ides of March, paints a dark picture of modern-day politics: a puppet show driven by the lust for power, masquerading behind the veneer of democratic ideals, reliant on seductive presentation to dupe the masses. The film itself is also an apt cinematic equivalent of these principles, for as much as it accurately indulges current public sentiment, it does so with one eye firmly on award season. Clooney wishes to make himself a contender in the same way his character, Mike Morris, aims to be elected the Democratic candidate for the next presidential race. Furthermore, just like political parties repackage the same ideas into new boxes, Ides of March presents the loss of idealism from the perspective of the puppeteer in the shadows – the committed, precociously talented press secretary Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling). In the end however, it is the age old message about the manipulation of honesty, loyalty and pure intentions that resonates loudest. This is unsurprising given that the film is an adaptation of the Beau Willimon play Farragut North, loosely based upon the 2004 Democratic primary campaign of Howard Dean. On the one hand this affords the film a contemporary edge, but on the other enforces melodramatic tendencies that ultimately constrict its broader ambitions.
Nonetheless, this context gives the film its greatest credibility. Rather than highlight moral corruption per se, it strives to prove how idealism is bludgeoned into submission despite all individual attempts to the contrary. Meyers lies in the twilight zone; at 30, he is caught between youthful ambition and wearied acceptance of the status quo. This naivety means that despite his exceptional skills as a spin doctor, he is loaded with volatile potential but recognised as an undoubted game-changer by the more experienced old-time campaign managers: be it Morris’s own, Paul Zara (Philip Seymour Hoffman) or Tom Duffy (Paul Giamatti), who fronts the opposing Democratic campaign. Indeed, the narrative is driven by the newcomers, Mayers and the femme fatale intern (Evan Rachel Wood) realising their disposable place within the system; to survive, let alone win, you must play by its rules. Therefore, by taking for granted the cynical reality of the pursuit of power from the outset, the film respects its audience. On top of this, the undertones of recent political history, specifically the Obama 08 campaign, help to make the movie instantly relevant and relatable.
Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling) finds himself caught in the middle of the political minefield.
Equally as inviting are the performances. Clooney is fittingly presidential, Hoffman excellent as the embattled campaigner and Giamatti suitably Machiavellian. Yet, the film hinges on Gosling’s excellent portrayal of Meyers who alongside Rachel Wood, convincingly play characters caught unguarded in the no-man’s-land of premier level politics. This is complimented by Clooney’s seductive direction – littered with symbolic imagery that emphasises the contrast between public persona and backroom reality. One pivotal scene sees Zara and Meyer’s dark shadows sillouted against a vast American flag. As they scramble, we hear Morris the other-side, giving a speech to great adulation but little substance.
Except, here is the problem. All the constituent elements are executed flawlessly, Ides of March suits up well, smiles for the cameras, talks the talk and walks the walk. At the time it is intoxicating and enthralling. Ultimately though, after it gives its speech you are left wondering what new perspectives it actually offers; in hindsight it appears the answer is: not much. Unfortunately, the film spends most of its time trying to distract from that fact.
Rating: 7 out of 10
Hi Alex,
I went to see Ides of March on Wednesday, and I wasn’t impressed one bit! Admittedly, I should of done more research before I went as (as you know) I am no lover of politics and even more so American politics *shudder*, but with a line up of George Clooney and the quirky Gosling I thought it must be worth seeing?! I felt that the whole film coasted through on one level never peaking, and the awkward half-baked “love scene” was unnecessary and, well, awkward. The whole film was just one big cliche really (intern sleeps with boss, yadda yadda yadda), which wasn’t helped by the stock background music of military drums and a very recognizable motif (where was this played before?!). And, although I can’t fault the acting, it just never developed into being original in any way. I feel like this film has been done before.
- Easha x
Wow Alex – right between the eyes again!
I was thinking of going to see The Ides of March but now that I have read your review as well as Easha’s comments, I think I will stay at home.
Alternatively I might go with some grumpy old men to see The Adventures of Tintin. I understand that Tintin and Captain Haddock set off on a treasure hunt for a sunken ship commanded by Haddock’s ancestor. Sounds a bit like the G20 trying to stabilize the Euro.
Keep on giving it to them Alex.
Road Basher
It’s a good, entertaining film. Worth seeing, just not as novel or insightful as it tries to be.
The thing is, it is essentially a tale of morality, cast for the theatre not the big screen. If only it had been altered slightly.
Love the way you write, Alex !
Definitely an insightful review of what I found to be a very complicated film. It feels as though Ides of March tried to deal with too many issues and therefore the film’s message became increasingly confused. By the end I was left feeling like ‘errr… what exactly did I learn from that’?! Nevertheless, still a good attempt at a modern political thriller.
I completely agree, Emma.
Dear Alex! I’m deeply impressed, having visited your homepage!
“The Ides of March” I want to see soon!
Volker (Papa von Benny)