“The Ides of March”, George Clooney’s new political thriller, has everything going for it: good cast, good director, and a very good screenplay. The brilliantly conceived film slowly unfolds layer after layer of political controversy behind a heated battle for the democratic presidential nomination.
Ryan Gosling plays Stephen Meyers, a political consultant to hopeful presidential candidate Governor Mike Morris played by George Clooney. This is a powerful team, as both Gosling and Clooney carry significant power in their performances. They are backed up with good supporting actors Philip Seymour Hoffman and Paul Giamatti as heads of opposing candidates’ campaigns.
The film’s strongest component, though, is its heavy tone and each scene gets progressively darker. By its conclusion you will be barely breathing because of the thick atmosphere. “The Ides of March” stands out from the crowd of political thrillers and will have you losing faith in anyone connected with politics.