The Ides of March

I don't think anyone will be surprised by one of the main themes in The Ides of March - that there is corruption and betrayal everywhere within politics. What did surprise me is how director George Clooney (who also co-wrote and co-stars in the film) manages to create such a bleak world and story, yet still make it tremendously entertaining, instead of relentlessly downbeat. The movie is dark, cynical, angry, and a thrill to watch. He introduces us to the film easily enough, with a light touch, and even a sense of humor. But as things begin to develop, and we pick up on what's going on and where these characters are going, we mourn for them and their lost innocence.

The film opens on the eve of the Ohio presidential primary, where a heated battle for the Democratic nomination is being played out by two competitors who are virtually neck and neck. The favorite at the moment for the nomination is California Governor Mike Morris (Clooney), who has the integrity and the warmth that draws people to him, and the ideas that could carry him to the White House. These are the exact qualities that appeal Mike to his idealistic campaign aide, media expert Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling). Stephen is certain that he's found a candidate that he can really believe in. There are cynics all around him, like New York Times reporter Ira Horowicz (Marisa Tomei), who thinks Stephen is hopelessly naive, accusing him of "drinking the Kool-Aid", and that Morris is bound to let him down sooner or later. Stephen ignores these warnings, and goes on believing that Mike really can change the nation for the better.

The first half of The Ides of March is set up almost like a behind the scenes look at what goes on during a campaign tour. We're introduced to the characters, such as Morris' campaign manager (Philip Seymour Hoffman), as well as the campaign manager for the other guy running (Paul Giamatti), who does not make it secret that he would like Stephen to switch sides and come work for him instead. We also meet a pretty young intern on Morris' campaign staff (Evan Rachel Wood), who strikes up a romantic relationship with Stephen early on. These characters are set up in such a light and offhand manner, we have no idea how important a role they will play later on. That's the whole idea, of course. The screenplay by Clooney, Grant Heslov, and Beau Willimon introduces us to the world and the characters in a way that's easy to relate to. We've seen these people, or maybe we know them. But then the plot kicks in, which I will reveal very little of, except to say a lot of these people who we thought we knew are hiding something.

This is a movie that knows what it's doing every step of the way, and never hits a wrong note. When the darker sides of these characters are revealed, it seems natural, instead of forced. The sharp script features dialogue that sounds honest, not scripted, and the emotions it seeks are genuine, not manipulated. Clooney also finds the perfect tone for the movie. The first half is kind of fast-paced, loose, even a little bit comical at times. When the true nature of the plot kicks in, he wisely does not treat it like melodrama. It's more like a simple and sad truth. It was perhaps inevitable that Stephen would learn something that would shake his belief in the man he was so blindly supporting during the first half of the film. It's equally inevitable that the people he trusts the most would either turn on him, or reveal to be working mainly for themselves. This does not surprise us. Heck, anyone who follows politics knows that this kind of stuff is sadly all too common. What does grip us, and what makes the film so powerful, is the gentle and sad realization it reaches, rather than a dramatic and bombastic one.

This is a very cynical, yet even-handed movie. Clooney is openly a supporter of the Democrats in real life, but they don't get off any easier than the Republicans do in this film. Everything and everyone's fair game, which makes the movie more even-handed than you would expect walking in. It's also a very well made and well-acted film. Ryan Gosling (who has been having a fantastic 2011 with Crazy, Stupid Love, Drive, and now this) once again delivers another stirring dramatic performance, as do veterans like Hoffman and Giamatti. Even Marisa Tomei (who is usually known for lighter roles) does an excellent job as a reporter who is ultimately just out to help herself, and isn't afraid to hurt those she considers her friends if it will get her ahead. No performance or character is wasted, or seems underwritten here. Even characters that would normally come across as minor overall (like Jeffrey Wright as a failed presidential contender that both sides are trying to get his support) come across as being more fleshed out than we initially expect.

The Ides of March may not say much that is new, but it's great filmmaking, and continues to cement George Clooney as a strong director who is not afraid to take some risks, while at the same time, giving the audience an entertaining film. He succeeds here at storytelling, character, and tone. I have intentionally been vague during this review, as I walked into the theater knowing very little about the actual plot, and hope anyone who reads this can have a similar experience. The story the movie tells may have been told before (both on the screen and, sadly, in real life), but it's worth telling. And this is definitely a movie worth seeing.

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