Why can’t the Democrats just flat out say how crazy they think all the Republicans are? What is the point of being both rational and polite when it doesn’t make for good drama and certainly doesn’t make for good politics?
“The Ides of March” is a very deliberate, direct film with domineering characters that say what they mean and don’t pull their punches. They don’t have any real wit, charm or depth, but by God they get the job done.
George Clooney’s political thriller follows the events of the Democratic primary and the actions of intelligent, confident and ego driven campaign advisers who will do anything to win.
The best, brightest and youngest player is Stephen Myers (Ryan Gosling), who is lobbying for the Governor Mike Morris (Clooney) for the Presidential seat. Stephen is approached by Tom Duffy (Paul Giamatti) of the opposing campaign to join their White House drive. But this complicates things for Morris’s chances and for Stephen’s boss Paul (Philip Seymour Hoffman), who values loyalty above all else.
This is the kind of tight, simple storytelling that makes for the best and most engaging political thrillers. The screenplay by Clooney and Grant Heslov includes no undertones in the dialogue and no subtleties in character development. It’s a script that isn’t a parable for anything but bluntly says we should cut the crap in our government.
“The Ides of March” is however, fairly one-dimensional. Because it’s a game of social politics and the way in which people act during election season, the film contrives some predictable controversies that fit together snuggly, if all too conveniently.
What we’re left with is the tense back and forth between a strong, Oscar worthy cast. Gosling is today’s It-guy, and he carries his familiar typecast with a sure head and effortless confidence. Giamatti plays a wonderfully conniving prick, and he’s ruthless and ferocious in his few choice scenes with Gosling.
Hoffman is a pro at being passionate and paranoid, and his character shows a lot of wisdom and command on screen. Clooney too loses himself inside his assumed Presidential power. He gives speeches and threats the way a politician should.
“The Ides of March” is a movie with big performances, economical editing and strong cinematography. It lacks the complexity or emotional punch of movies like the original “Manchurian Candidate,” but hey, so does our crop of presidential candidates.
3 stars