Review of The Ides of March (2011) by Glenn C — 28 Apr 2012

The Ides Of March is a confirmation that George Clooney is a great filmmaker, let alone actor. His 4th film as director, it follows a democratic governor's presidential campaign trail in the state of Ohio.

Ryan Gosling stars as the junior campaign manager who's ideals are tested when the gritty game of politics becomes inevitable. George Clooney uses this film as a statement. He makes no secret that he is very politically motivated with a strong sense of social justice.

In the film his governor character stands for all the things Clooney rallies for in reality but they're so absolutely 'ideal' that it's foolish to think he would actually stand a chance using them as his platform.

And so I felt a little but disconnected with this aspect of the film. However, on the flip side Clooney may very well be presenting this ironically, in which case the entire film is satirical. Nevertheless the actual public part of the campaign is secondary to a story about the goings on behind closed doors.

The manipulation, fabrication and corruption are what this is all about. It's a strong film and Clooney successfully presents the absolute absurdity of politics. Public interest is entirely lost and The Ides Of March is a scary and depressing reality which most of us already knew.

It's a strong film.