The Ides of March (2011) Review

The Ides of March

On the outside, “The Ides of March” looks like a standard political thriller. There is deception, loyalty, and behind-the-scenes dealings that one comes to expect from a movie of this type. What sets “The Ides of March” apart from any average political thriller is not what happens, but how it happens. These typical tropes are used to tell the story of a man who begins to question his political beliefs and allegiances in a manner that is not only topical and relevant, but also very human.

Plot Synopsis: Stephen Mayer, the junior campaign manager for Democratic presidential candidate Mike Morris, is not naïve but is dedicated to Morris’ campaign and his political views. But when he takes an ill-advised meeting with the rival’s campaign manager, things begin to crumble for him. His flirtatious relationship with intern Molly takes a dark turn and head campaign manager Paul doubts whether he can trust Stephen anymore.

2011 has quickly become Ryan Gosling’s year at the movies. After starring in “Crazy, Stupid Love,” “Drive,” and now this, Gosling’s star power is sure to get a major boost once everything is said and done. His usual laid-back persona works well here, emphasizing Stephen’s charming and mild-mannered personality, and makes his moral change later in the movie feel somewhat surprising.

“The Ides of March” doesn’t just deal with how our hero’s faith in Morris begins to chip away, but also makes a statement about how sometimes the only way to stay at the top is to play dirty. Despite what people may think about the liberal views of George Clooney, who pulls triple duty as director, writer, and Morris here, the movie is even-handed in how it delivers its potshots. The rival Republican campaign manager, well-played by Paul Giamatti, isn’t necessarily a villain, and Clooney certainly gives his character some despicable qualities too.

While the previews would suggest that the movie focuses on the interplay between Stephen and Morris, it is actually more about the working relationship Stephen has with his boss, Paul. Gosling is certainly the standout here among his costars, but Philip Seymour Hoffman (Paul) is the true moral center of the film. Paul only demands loyalty from his coworkers, and when that is gone he won’t stand by them no matter how friendly he is with them. By the end of the movie, you may be wondering whether he was the true hero or not.

I’m not a big politics person. I rarely follow them and only have the bare knowledge of what really goes on. And yet, I didn’t feel left in the cold by the films storyline. Part of my enjoyment is certainly attributed to the actors, but the other part has to do with the way the film is written. The dialogue is as stylized as in something like “The Social Network” or “Juno,” but there is a similarly witty vibe that I got from the conversations. It doesn’t scream out for attention, remaining realistic while also catching the audience’s attention.

The film is also rather slow-paced, but don’t let that scare you away. The writing is entertaining enough to keep you engaged and the characters are relatable enough to feel their plight (or rise). I wouldn’t say that “The Ides of March” is a excellent movie, but it tells its twisting story effectively and entertainingly in a short amount of time. It’s a film for those that crave smart filmmaking and culturally relevant stories.

3.5/4    Rating Criteria