Review of The Ides of March (2011) by Don S — 01 Mar 2016

Political scandal, private indiscretions and personal integrity; Wallowing in its own superiority, The Ides of March is an overly portentous drama about ones pursuit of lofty moral ambitions and their inadvertent enticement towards corruption.

Based on Beau Willimon's play Farragut North; inspired by real life events during Howard Deans 2004 presidential bid, four time director George Clooney attempts to thrusts a the knife into the raw nerves of the American political process but sadly although corrupt politics is universally understandable the gravitas is lost in translation and an overt amount of take-back-the-country nonsense.

"I am not a Christian. I am not an atheist. . . . My religion is written on a piece of paper called the Constitution.".

A few frenetic days prior to a key presidential primary in Ohio; the idealistic, enthusiastic and dedicated silver-tonged press-secretary Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling) genuinely believes in the cause for which he fights.

As smooth operating media spokesman for the suave democratic presidential contender, Governor Mike Morris (George Clooney), Meyers is confident about clinching the make or break Democratic nomination for his candidate against the down-and dirty competition of Jack Stearns (Gregory Itzin) and his win-at-any-cost campaign manager Tom Duffy (Giamatti).

When requested to attend a seedy and secret meeting with Duffy, Meyers is offered a position within their party of which he vehemently rejects, whilst also learning some insider information that Morris' lead isn't as insurmountable as assumed.

Whilst confiding the information to his boss and Morris' battle-hardened and loyalty stickler campaign manager Paul Zara (Philip Seymour Hoffman), Meyer's must confess to his fateful indiscretion. Continuing on a misguided path, Meyer also engages in a dalliance with 19 year old intern Molly (Evan Rachel Wood) adding an extra layer of complication to the table.

When the back-handed story is leaked to Times reporter Ida Horowicz (Marisa Tomei), Meyer is unable to find a spin on the situation that won't derail his fast track to the White House. Desperate to save his skin and the campaign, how loose will Meyers morals need to become to succeed? Is there something in Molly's flirtation he can exploit? Is Morris as squeaky clean as expected?

It is naïve to believe there such thing as an honourable politician and this movie adds to the collection of backroom commodities exchanges and pull-no-punches American politico dramas Primary Colours and Wag the dog.

Clooney extracts wonderful performances from his players including himself. Gosling is outstanding, Hoffman commands authority, Wood's delivers venerability and Giamatti embodies the required amount of manipulation expected from someone in the position. He also delivers a fundamental insight into the take-take relationship with media and the inflexible deadline hurtles they can impose.

The Verdict: As idealism turns to disillusionment, loyalty, betrayal, integrity and principles dissolve ones perception to the point of disinterest. Although timely and outstandingly portrayed, this tense chess game of a political drama reaches a muted contemplative conclusion before any staggering revelations or genuine empathy can be evoked.

Published: The Queanbeyan Age.

Date of Publication: 09/12/2011.