Westside Steve Posted October 15, 2011 Report Share Posted October 15, 2011 The Ides of March Columbia R 98 min Et tu Brute? From Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar the classic tale of political betrayal to the skullduggery of the post-Watergate era the system hasn’t seemed to change a lot. So as we enter the political circus of the campaign season the political flicks will be hitting the screen more and more often as next November draws nigh. No matter what one might think about George Clooney’s politics it’s impossible to dismiss his talent and charisma and both of those are on display here as star and director of THE IDES OF MARCH. This is more about the seamy behind the scenes dirt inherent to the process than an all-out passion play to champion anyone’s ideology. Don’t get me wrong, Clooney’s views of who the good guys and bad guys are show through but neither party escapes unscathed. Clooney plays Governor Mike Morris, a centrist Democrat seeking his party’s nomination for US president. He has the looks the policies and the gravitas to be the next chief executive and best of all refuses to stoop to unsavory campaign tactics. Steve Myers (Ryan Gosling) is a star struck staffer surrounded by a campaign team who are not quite so innocent. Myers becomes a pawn in the tactical battle between two more seasoned operatives, namely his boss Paul Zara (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and the rival chief Tom Duffy (Paul Giamatti) Myers tries to do the right thing as a nasty scandal rears its head and is sorely disappointed as he’s forced to look behind the curtain and face the reality that is our political system. The cast, which includes Marisa Tomei as a tough political reporter is as good as it gets and the story is compelling as a look behind the doors of what used to be called smoke filled rooms. Sure it’s easy to see the ideological slant but it never outweighs the story. Interesting and thought provoking THE IDES OF MARCH is a strong entry into the upcoming Hollywood/political season. B WSS Email westsidesteve@aol.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPPT1974 Posted October 21, 2011 Report Share Posted October 21, 2011 I am thinking about seeing that movie when I go downtown on Saturday. How many movies do you see? As you seem to see a movie a week. This will be my 19th movie of the year to see the Ides of March. Thanks for the review. Love Clooney and Gosling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westside Steve Posted October 21, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2011 well actually I see about 6 in a month. That doesn't count the ones that I see on dvd or on the internet. If I see 1 that has been out for say 3 or 4 weeks I won't bother to review it. I suppose now winter season is upon us I will probably go see a lot more especially with the holidays coming up. Let us know what you think of some of these movies in go to see. Thanks. WSS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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