The Ides of March

Movie: The Ides of March

Genre: political drama

Synopsis: Governor Mike Morris (George Clooney) is campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination.  His campaign manager is Paul Zara (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and his media guru is Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling).  Along for the ride is a campaign volunteer, Molly Stearns (Evan Rachel Wood) and Ida Horowicz (Marisa Tomei) – a political reporter.  Paul is in the campaign to win – period.  Stephen is in it because to truly believes in the candidate.  Stephen is considered the best media guy in the country and has a great future ahead of him.  Things start getting derailed when he meets Molly.  Then he makes a politically unforgivable mistake.  Stephen’s idealistic outlook takes a severe beating in what follows.

My two cents: Some great acting – but I felt the movie did not quite come together as well as it could.  But – this is still a really good movie.  The acting alone really makes it worth your time.  I think Ryan Gosling is way overdue for an Oscar – he is just great.   The transformation of his character from an idealistic campaigner to a jaded man who will do what he needs to get ahead is great to watch.  I think my favorite scene is at the end of the movie when Stephen gets on an elevator and turns to face Ida (the reporter) who exclaims – “but I thought we were friends”.  Stephen says nothing – but the expression on his face is worth a thousand words.  Don’t pass up this movie – the acting by all of the main characters is outstanding.

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