Audiences may mistakenly expect “The Ides of March” to be a dramatic parallel to the rise and fall of Julius Caesar. Instead, the film depicts a different type of fall for all its characters.
The film follows a press secretary, Stephen Myers (Ryan Gosling, “Drive,” “The Notebook”) who works for Democratic Governor Mike Morris (George Clooney, “Up in the Air” and also the director of the film). Morris is a potential presidential candidate and Myers is along for the ride. The film is based on the play “Farragut North” by Beau Willimon.
“The Ides of March” is a powerful drama that thrills viewers with its meaningful score and striking acting performances.
“The Ides of March” is not missing the dishonest characteristic of a political story. The twists in the film, therefore, lack the element of surprise, yet still satiate a need all viewers have. Audiences want to experience the secret sense of pleasure that follows a scandal. Viewers love painful moral twists, and “The Ides of March” fills that desire with ease.
Though most of the screen time is spent with Meyers, “The Ides of March” has no single narrator or viewpoint. Viewers are allowed the time to gain perspective from multiple characters, but never gain a detailed insight into any.
Powerful acting by the well-chosen cast portrays the small but potent glimpse into each character’s motivation. Viewers are always given just enough information to keep the action interesting.
Clooney’s direction reflects his appreciation and understanding for the art of acting.
The acting in “The Ides of March” is poignant, yet subtle. Gosling is convincing as an idealistic young man in a position of power in a corrupt system.
And Clooney has a gregarious yet dark persona befitting a rising politician. The Oscar-winner usually plays the charming gentleman with ulterior motives, so this role perfectly suits him.
Though pivotal to the film, women get little acting time.
Molly (Evan Rachel Wood, “Across the Universe”) is a witty young intern who plays a powerful role in the progression of Morris’s and Myers’s lives.
Viewers are intimate with her in some moments and shockingly distant in others. Her story leaves something to be desired, yet allows for intrigue.
Wood’s performance on screen incites varying emotional responses, but they are always strong.
Scenes focusing on Molly are rarely accompanied by instrumentals. On the other hand, the pivotal moments with the leading men are commonly complemented by a strong score, which adds the thrilling dimension to their story filled with conventional political corruption.
Though not revealing of unknown truths, “The Ides of March” speaks to politics’ transformative power.
