In recent years George Clooney’s name has become more associated with quality cinema than Hollywood gossip, thanks to a number of well-chosen films and roles. Up In The Air, Michael Clayton and even the underrated The American were all great, and fine examples of his talent as an actor. The Ides of March sees him return behind the camera as director as well as acting, so can it continue his winning streak?
On paper, it ticks every single box. Based on the play Farragut North, the film tells the story of a Governor (Clooney) running for president and a young, talented man working on the campaign with him (Ryan Gosling). As Gosling’s character gets deeper into the campaign and involved with a young intern (Evan Rachel Wood), things start to unravel for everyone. Also in the fray are Paul Giamatti, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Marisa Tomei. So as you can see, it has a heavyweight cast and a topical, Oscar-friendly story. And for the most part, Clooney has hit the spot with this movie, largely thanks to his cast.
It’s clearly Gosling’s year, and whilst his role here might not be as revelatory as that in Drive, he stands out as a serious A-List star in the making now. Even up against Clooney and a brilliant Seymour-Hoffman, he makes the film his own and indeed, a lot of the story rests on him. Much like a well-oiled campaign itself, The Ides of March succeeds in sucking you in and subtly tries to trick you into thinking who is really running the show, and so Gosling’s role is both interesting and crucial. There are no particular weak links in the lineup, although given the talent here, a bit more could have been done with Marisa Tomei and Phillip Seymour Hoffman.
In comparison to Clooney’s Good Night and Good Luck, The Ides of March comes across as being a lot more entertaining and exciting but simultaneously not as intricate or detailed as that film was. As is the case with so many play adaptations, the real enjoyment here is the interaction between the characters, so much so that at times the plot takes a backseat and any themes or ideals aren’t heavily pushed upon the audience. But there’s no denying that it’s a sharply scripted film, and thoroughly enjoyable. Sure, it may not be the most serious, intense political drama of recent times but the abundance of star power on show more than makes up for that, and Clooney demonstrates a fine skill for shooting too – the movie looks fantastic. Overall then, The Ides of March is a fine drama, and with it’s combination of stars and on-topic mature setting, it’s also one that we see far too little of these days.
