The Ides of March (15)

Recently nominated for four Golden Globes and still in cinemas (just), The Ides of March is one to watch this awards season.

This review was first published in The Methodist Recorder (www.methodistrecorder.co.uk).

The Ides of March (15)

Opening with a speech about a politician’s religion being the Constitution of the United States, The Ides of March is a clever political thriller of the highest quality. The title comes from the date in the Roman calendar on which Julius Caesar was assassinated, and the plot is rife with backbiting and deception. Ryan Gosling is superb as Stephen, Junior Campaign Manager to George Clooney’s Democratic presidential candidate Mike Morris. Stephen’s loyalty and ideals are tested as multiple scandals threaten to surface.

As well as starring, Clooney directed and co-wrote the film, and being a self described political liberal he clearly intended to make a point. The point would seem to be a mixture of generalised lamenting over the extent of corruption in politics, and a frank admission that even the best of us aren’t completely innocent. Isaiah 64:6 says ‘...all our righteous acts are like filthy rags’, and it is striking that even before Stephen loses his supposed innocence, he is already neck deep in lies and spin.

His troubles start when he begins an illicit relationship with intern Molly. What seems to them just a bit of fun soon turns out to be the opening of a Pandora’s box of nightmares. Once again Hollywood inadvertently illustrates how much damage could be prevented if society stuck to the Biblical principle of reserving sex for marriage.

Clooney and Gosling aside, the film boasts a dazzling cast of fine actors. Paul Giamatti plays the opposition’s experience hardened campaign manager; Marisa Tomei is a reporter who’s allegiances stretch no further than her latest story will allow, and the great Philip Seymour Hoffman gives yet another scene stealing performance as Stephen’s senior manager Paul.

The script powerfully brings home many truths that secular society is quick to ignore, with personal responsibility for action and inaction being high up its list of themes. When Stephen tries to excuse his campaign threatening behaviour, Paul cuts him down to size with the line ‘... you didn’t make a mistake, you made a choice”: a distinction which leaves the fresh faced protagonist speechless.

Clooney’s direction is solid and polished, and with surprisingly few direct parallels to 2011 American politics, rather than missing the mark he has had the ambition to make a film that might have the same impact it has today even decades down the line. Consummate, entertaining and honest, Ides is an eye opening must watch.