In The Ides of March, Stephen Myers (Ryan Gosling) is a young press secretary working on the campaign of promising presidential hopeful Mike Morris (George Clooney). Days before the Ohio Democratic primary the campaign begins to unravel from the inside when Stephen makes a poor decision. However he may just have dug up enough dirt to really complicate matters.
Based on a play by Beau Willimon, I must confess that I’m not terribly familiar with the source material. The film take on this story, however does reflect theater. There isn’t a scene that can’t be envisioned in a play. No chases, no CGI, no explosions. For that matter Clooney, who also directs, doesn’t seek to achieve a movie presentation. Probably not the wisest choice since the political thriller is already every bit as endangered as the giant panda thanks for its history of lacking spectacle. I can only imagine the unnecessary 3D conversion proposed somewhere at the offices of Sony Pictures.
It’s somewhat bold of Clooney to give himself this role in the background, and not to give too much away it’s an unorthodox way to paint oneself. Though the rest of the cast fairs well, the standout performance comes from Philip Seymour Hoffman. As Paul Zara, Mike’s campaign manager, Hoffman gives the best speech of the film, shows vulnerability, and is ultimately the closest thing to a sympathetic character The Ides of March has to offer.
The Ides of March is rated R for some political hot potatoes that come into the picture as well as cussing that would make sailors back down. I’m uncertain if the language is supposed to shock, lend surprising immaturity to politics, or make for bad jokes.
An unorthodox conclusion doesn’t help The Ides of March win over a crowd. There are movies designed to leave the viewer downtrodden, but ultimately the ability to project that emotion is appreciated. Here, the ship full of rats approach makes for a film where there isn’t a friendly face to confide. The screen goes black and you have to look at yourself wondering if what you saw is the nature of politics getting dirty. Then you have to wonder why a movie about Democrats that takes place in March is running at a time when the Republicans are looking for a candidate. **½
Loading ...
Recent Comments