Ides of March

The Ides of March is a compelling, if slightly predictable, take on the dark side of political ambition. Directed by George Clooney, who also co-wrote the screenplay, the film is packed with tension and features excellent performances across the board. However, despite its many strengths, it ultimately feels a bit familiar, delivering a message about political corruption that’s more affirmation than revelation.

At the heart of the story is Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling), an idealistic press secretary working for Democratic presidential candidate Governor Mike Morris (played by Clooney himself). Gosling shines as the young and ambitious Stephen, whose unwavering confidence in his own savvy is both his strength and his downfall. The film’s real pull, however, comes from its seasoned supporting cast. Philip Seymour Hoffman as the campaign’s jaded manager Paul Zara and Paul Giamatti as the scheming Tom Duffy bring palpable intensity to the film’s exploration of political chess. Their scenes, laden with cynicism and ruthlessness, provide a more nuanced understanding of the brutal world Stephen is about to fall victim to.
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The screenplay balances personal and political intrigue well, drawing viewers into the high-stakes drama of an Ohio primary with the tension of a thriller—without relying on a single scene of violence. There’s a sense of claustrophobia, as Clooney keeps the camera focused on Gosling’s gradual disillusionment, pushing his character to ethical limits and testing his loyalty. This journey leads Stephen to a cagey relationship with a journalist (Marisa Tomei), a dangerous liaison with a young intern (Evan Rachel Wood), and, ultimately, a sobering look at his own morals.

Yet, while The Ides of March crafts tension masterfully, it does stumble in believability. Some of Stephen’s choices, especially those involving the rival campaign and personal entanglements, feel forced and can stretch plausibility, detracting from the realism the film is otherwise steeped in. This lack of authenticity in character motivations may leave some viewers questioning the stakes, or wondering why they should care about a political system so transparently corrupt.
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Ultimately, The Ides of March succeeds in delivering a solid political thriller with enough intrigue and sharp dialogue to hold viewers’ attention. However, it doesn’t break new ground. The film’s central message—that politics is rife with corruption and compromise—is hardly revelatory, and audiences may be left yearning for deeper insight into why these power games endure. The story seems to tell us what we already know: that idealism often falters in the face of ambition, and power has a price.