Review

Review Date: 9-October-11
Spoiler Rating: Medium
Juju Judgment: Juicy

The Ides of March (2011)

If it didn't have a topnotch cast, I would have avoided The Ides of March. George Clooney's fourth directorial effort is a political drama, and politics makes my skin crawl. I can't understand why anyone would pin their hopes for a better world or simple decency on a big-league politician; that's like looking into a sewer for a drink of water. Given that the film revolves around a press secretary who truly believes in his presidential candidate, I was predisposed not to sympathize with the main character, and I didn't. But the steady buildup of intensity sucked me in, impressing me with the portrayal of a labyrinth of conflicts and choices.

The action takes place in Ohio, where the Democratic ticket will essentially (if not officially) fall to one of two finalists, either of whom would likely win the White House. Stephen (Ryan Gosling) is the #2 man and #1 supporter of Governor Mike Morris (Clooney). He works tirelessly to promote Morris' liberal, forthright image on the Internet and in the press (represented by a caustic Marisa Tomei), while his boss (Philip Seymour Hoffman) negotiates for needed electoral votes. Despite his dedication, Stephen is curious when contacted by the campaign manager of the rival camp (Paul Giamatti) and agrees to a quick meeting. He also finds time to respond to the advances of a young intern (Evan Rachel Wood) who happens to be the daughter of the national party chairman. These two encounters, fleeting as they seem, lead to unexpected and bubble-bursting revelations.

The unexpected crops up throughout the picture. Sometimes it's pronounced, like the tragedy that sets up the final act and forces Stephen to decide where his loyalty lies. Sometimes it's subtle, like the changing face of Hoffman's character. At first his crudeness is emphasized with foul language, a miasma of cigarette smoke, and the unkempt schlubbiness that the actor always wears. Later he emerges as the one player in the dirty game who has some integrity: a nice reminder that image can be misleading. (He is pointedly shown getting a haircut just before his exit.) Another surprise is the backroom showdown between Stephen and his former idol, Morris. Clooney doesn't appear much on screen, and when he does he effortlessly channels every arrogant, shiny-suited politician on the make. But in this crucial scene he flexes his acting muscle by dropping all suaveness to reveal an animal backed into a corner. (In his corner Gosling's gaze doesn't waver, but that's no surprise.) Anyone who loves movies must appreciate moments like this and how Clooney as director moves his pieces around the board. The Ides of March is a cynical (and therefore, I assume, accurate) depiction of how our leaders come to power, but it's also a well told story.

Copyright © 2011 The Jujube (M. I. Kim). All rights reserved.