The Ides of March (2011)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Alexander D

  
  Performances is the first of many great things this drama has to offer. Aside from the impressive performances by Paul Giamatti, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Evan Rachel Wood, Ryan Gosling has the main role in this film, as he did in two other films of last year, DRIVE and CRAZY,… More
  Performances is the first of many great things this drama has to offer. Aside from the impressive performances by Paul Giamatti, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Evan Rachel Wood, Ryan Gosling has the main role in this film, as he did in two other films of last year, DRIVE and CRAZY, STUPID, LOVE. Even though the role he had assumed wasnâ(TM)t terribly difficult, Iâ(TM)d have to say he does a fine job, and quite believable, as well. I may be over-analyzing a bit in saying so, but the slang he uses in his dialogue, and the sense of informality he presents, helps his character gain his overall strength. If we had a man who was a straightforward, serious personality, it would be hard to believe him as someone to deal with dirty politics at all. With someone who isnâ(TM)t over the top, but noticeably a bit laid back and sarcastic, itâ(TM)s completely plausible. George Clooney was also great here, but I must mention that I was disappointed with him for various reasons. One, he wasnâ(TM)t nearly as great here as he was in his tour-de-force leading role in last yearâ(TM)s THE DESCENDANTS. But thatâ(TM)s definitely acceptable, because that last role he took on was utterly flawless, so (seeing from an actorâ(TM)s perspective) it would be quite difficult to meet those standards within the same twelve monthsâ(TM) time frame. Two, his character was far too small. Sure, Mike Morris, his character, was mentioned a lot in this film. In fact, he was the filmâ(TM)s pivotal subject. Clooney just didnâ(TM)t get enough screen time. Weâ(TM)re so used to seeing this actor (who in my opinion, is one of the greatest performers still famous in the twenty-first century) in leading roles, or at least major ones. Here, he gets five, maybe ten minutes of time on the screen. DO NOT BEWARE MY FULL REVIEW: http://themoviefreakblog.wordpress.com/2012/05/04/review-the-ides-of-march

• Josh L

  
  One of the best movies of 2011. It kept me guessing the whole time as to where exactly the story was going to lead. All of the actors did great jobs and the script was fast and punchy without being in your face about it. The story just keeps you guessing and enthralled from beginning… More
  One of the best movies of 2011. It kept me guessing the whole time as to where exactly the story was going to lead. All of the actors did great jobs and the script was fast and punchy without being in your face about it. The story just keeps you guessing and enthralled from beginning to end. I'm not even really into politics that much (and this movie pretty much sums up why), but I still found it incredibly interesting the whole time.

• familiar s

  
  Given my comprehension capabilities, I was a bit hesitant to go for this. However, contrary to my fears, the movie wasn't too hard to grasp. But the movie wasn't interesting enough. At best, it's a mediocre political thriller IMO.

• Mark W

  
  The last time George Clooney stepped behind the camera to direct a political drama - with "Good Night And Good Luck" - he delivered a skilful and vivid dramatisation. This time, with a star-studded cast in the line-up, it looks like he just might do it again. Unfortunately,… More
  The last time George Clooney stepped behind the camera to direct a political drama - with "Good Night And Good Luck" - he delivered a skilful and vivid dramatisation. This time, with a star-studded cast in the line-up, it looks like he just might do it again. Unfortunately, this doesn't live up to expectations and ends up, quite a frustrating, indifferent attempt. Stephen Myers (Ryan Gosling) is an idealistic young man, helping Governor Mike Morris (George Clooney) in his bid for the Presidency of the United States. However, he gets involved in a relationship with campaign volunteer Molly Stearns (Evan Rachel Wood) and gets caught between rival campaign managers Paul Zara (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and Tom Duffy (Paul Giamatti), which show him that candidate Morris isn't as squeaky clean as he makes out. Before he knows it, Myers is involved in a dangerous game of sex, betrayal and ambition. "The Ides of March" is a (commonly used by Shakespeare) referece to the slaying of Julias Caeser, who was stabbed to death by a group of conspirators, lead by friends, Brutus and Cassius. Using this term as it's title, you would imagine a film about politics will have some double-crossing, on the level that met Caeser, but on this evidence... not quite enough. Right from the get-go we are thrust into a political campaign and the jargon that goes along with it. It takes a little time and patience to keep up with it's constant flow of name dropping and rapid introduction of numerous characters and quite frankly, you'd be forgiven for finding it rather dull. Within the half-hour mark, it threatens to sink under it's own weight. However, once a bit of corruption is thrown into the mix, it steps up a gear and delivers some great dramatic tension. Clooney is a very fine actor but he wisely takes a back seat in the acting stakes, allowing Gosling to be the front runner, with Hoffman and Giamatti biting at his ankles. It's these three, bitterly fighting it out on the campaign, that bring the drama. When Clooney does show face again, it's adds extra spice to an already boiling pot of corruption and double-dealing. But just when the film finds it's feet, it draws to it's conclusion. The performances are all strong by the aforementioned actors but the talented likes of Marisa Tomei and Jeffrey Wright are wasted in thankless roles. Ultimately, the film masquerades as political intrigue but the message that comes across is mainly about the corruption of youth and idealism. A brilliantly assembled cast are given some juicy roles and they play them well, but like politics itself, it can be too loaded at times and leaves you feeling dissatisfied.

• ♥˩ƳИИ &

  
  Cast: Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Marisa Tomei, Jeffrey Wright, Evan Rachel Wood, Max Minghella, Jennifer Ehle, Michael Mantell Director: George Clooney Summary: Dirty tricks stand to soil an ambitious young press spokesman's (Ryan… More
  Cast: Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Marisa Tomei, Jeffrey Wright, Evan Rachel Wood, Max Minghella, Jennifer Ehle, Michael Mantell Director: George Clooney Summary: Dirty tricks stand to soil an ambitious young press spokesman's (Ryan Gosling) idealism in a cutthroat presidential campaign where "victory" is relative. The film, directed by George Clooney, is inspired by the real-life experiences of an aide who worked on Howard Dean's failed 2004 run. My Thoughts: "Another great film done by the impeccable George Clooney. The film gives an interesting look at the behind scenes of a nasty politcal run for presidency. Great performances by all involved. Some of my favorites are in this movie and I couldn't wait to see them all in one film. I am not very political and probably never will be. But the film gives us a great insight of how dirty they play and how swiftly they can clean up any mess. I felt such heartbreak for the young Molly Stearns. Such a tragedy and for it to be swept away really upset me. I wanted him called out and for some type of justice for ruining her. But none is given. Disappointed with that bit, but then I guess that is the whole reason for the film. To show us how dirty the government is and can be. But then we already know that don't we."

• Alice S

  
  Ryan Gosling enunciates like a champ in this here political thriller. The second-act unravelings are a bit must-happeny though. Why is Stephen so late to pick Molly up from the Big A clinic? Why doesn't he just check his voicemail?

• Albert K

  
  A gripping thriller that manages to deliver the goods through its didactic and sharp script coupled with an outstanding ensemble cast and disciplined direction. In terms of techniques, "Ides of March" seems to get nothing wrong. There's no explosions or outlandishly… More
  A gripping thriller that manages to deliver the goods through its didactic and sharp script coupled with an outstanding ensemble cast and disciplined direction. In terms of techniques, "Ides of March" seems to get nothing wrong. There's no explosions or outlandishly far-fetched narrative arcs -- simply a very deceptive and dark tale that unfolds out with an arresting narrative.

• Anthony L

  
  As plot lines go The Ides of March is pretty predictable and not particularly original - it is the great performances from the impressive cast that makes the film entertaining. George Clooney has already proved himself a talented director and his credibility remains very much in tact,… More
  As plot lines go The Ides of March is pretty predictable and not particularly original - it is the great performances from the impressive cast that makes the film entertaining. George Clooney has already proved himself a talented director and his credibility remains very much in tact, he actually steps to one side on the acting front with this film, unselfishly and quite sensibly concentrating on the Ryan Gosling's character. He's had a good year eh, he can proudly add this to CV, as can all the supporting cast. Overall, it's a simple yet entertaining political thriller, nothing over the top but you'd have to be pretty naive for it to be a political revelation but it's entertaining all the same. I can't stand that poster though!

• Bathsheba M

  
  Starts a tad slowly, but then fullfills your worst nightmares about how politics is played. Yeah, it's dirty. Yeah, the best man doesn't always win, even if there IS a best man. Clooney is Clooney and can do no wrong, but the surprising performance was from Ryan Gosling… More
  Starts a tad slowly, but then fullfills your worst nightmares about how politics is played. Yeah, it's dirty. Yeah, the best man doesn't always win, even if there IS a best man. Clooney is Clooney and can do no wrong, but the surprising performance was from Ryan Gosling who changed in front of our eyes from a smart Wunderkind to a jaded politico. Welcome to real life, Stevie. Hoffman and Giamotti were also excellent as heart-attacks-waiting-to-happen.

• Jameson W

  
  I really liked this one! Gosling and Clooney are both fantastic...

• Daniel P

  
  Powerful and shockingly short tale of the disillusionment one staffer (Ryan Gosling) experiences as he goes from idealist to realist in an effort to help his candidate (George Clooney) secure the presidential nomination. Unfairly snubbed at the Oscars, this is a taut political… More
  Powerful and shockingly short tale of the disillusionment one staffer (Ryan Gosling) experiences as he goes from idealist to realist in an effort to help his candidate (George Clooney) secure the presidential nomination. Unfairly snubbed at the Oscars, this is a taut political thriller with a stupendous ensemble cast; Paul Giamatti, in particular, stands out. Engrossing right from the start, believable and gripping, this is a great movie. I might have liked a little more closure at the end, but the abruptness will probably do it favours upon rewatching... and in a few years, we will all say, "What was the Academy thinking in 2011?" Among the best movies I saw this year.

• Kalel J

  
  As a political drama, THE IDES OF MARCH sits firmly in a dual-genre; enforcing itself as a vehicle for ideas and insights into our modern governmental systems, yet also as a form of narrative entertainment. George Clooney's latest directorial endeavour fails and succeeds at these… More
  As a political drama, THE IDES OF MARCH sits firmly in a dual-genre; enforcing itself as a vehicle for ideas and insights into our modern governmental systems, yet also as a form of narrative entertainment. George Clooney's latest directorial endeavour fails and succeeds at these two split dynamics - it is interesting in character but never in ideas; moving in tone but never in greater depth. THE IDES OF MARCH is Clooney in story mode without the ideas, it is a shallow albeit entertaining fixture surrounded by bigger themes aching for a piece of the limelight. The film hints at greater points, but ultimately means very little, which is unfortunate - because what is left is still quite good.

• Matthew S

  
  I was expecting insight into modern politics along the level of Aaron Sorkin's political screenplays, but instead we get a solid but basal drama centered around the campaign's own mediocrity, both professionally and morally.

• Jeff "

  
  I was very much looking forward to seeing The Ides of March, and though not as great as every mainstream critic has claimed it to be, the film is nonetheless a solid political thriller. George Clooney directs an effective film, and he also gives a great performance. I very much… More
  I was very much looking forward to seeing The Ides of March, and though not as great as every mainstream critic has claimed it to be, the film is nonetheless a solid political thriller. George Clooney directs an effective film, and he also gives a great performance. I very much enjoyed the film, and there are some great performances here. Paul Giamatti and Philip Seymour Hoffman deliver here. Directed by George Clooney , The Ides of March is a well crafted thriller film. The cast make the film work, and entertaining. The thing that stands out the most about this film is the performances. The Ides of March may not be the best thriller, but it still is a good enough film to watch. The film has a very strong cast, and like I said, it's what makes this film work. Overall this is a well made film that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Ryan Gosling delivers here and adds a lot to the film. I very much enjoyed the film, and it gives us a glance at political scandals and such. The performances are great, and George Clooney directs an effective thriller. Despite its flaws, this is a good film that is very thrilling. A solid directorial effort, The Ides of March is a must see film. The story is well written, and with a great cast like this, it definitely is worth your time. The Ides of March is one of the best thrillers I've seen in quite some time. The film has its flaws, but overall it's a solid enough film to watch and be entertained.

• Tim S

  
  A well acted and well made drama that wasn't anything groundbreaking, but still made for an entertaining watch. All the actors involved are great, but they're all great actors so it wasn't surprising. Good, but not great.

• Sarah G

  
  Ryan Gosling is brilliant as always but I couldn't help wondering Ides of the March was trying to be something is was not. We have become accustomed to many political thrillers in Hollywood that this for me, just wasn't anything special as some of the hype as led us to… More
  Ryan Gosling is brilliant as always but I couldn't help wondering Ides of the March was trying to be something is was not. We have become accustomed to many political thrillers in Hollywood that this for me, just wasn't anything special as some of the hype as led us to believe. Doesn't quite take off until the middle of the film but this may be down to performances from Gosling and Seymour-Hoffman. I was expecting something much different from the same man who brought us the brilliant Good Night and Good Luck, just felt a little underwhelmed by Ides of The March. Worth a watch to see the talents of the brilliant Ryan Gosling.

• Shawn E

  
  A gripping drama with a terrific cast about political scandals and the ruthlessness one would commit to get ahead.

• Matt G

  
  Ryan Gosling never fails to disappoint, but The Ides of March is not engaging enough to warrant any award-recognition (except a nod for Gosling).

• Dan S

  
  A disappointing dirty politics story concerning a young, ambitious press secretary (Ryan Gosling) who gets in too deep over his head when his loyalty is questioned by the senior campaign manager (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) of the presidential candidate (George Clooney) that they are… More
  A disappointing dirty politics story concerning a young, ambitious press secretary (Ryan Gosling) who gets in too deep over his head when his loyalty is questioned by the senior campaign manager (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) of the presidential candidate (George Clooney) that they are both representing. This is a movie that definitely takes itself seriously, as director Clooney definitely gets his word in concerning major political issues and where we are headed. If only the plot took itself as seriously as its lead character, it might have been a rousing success. Instead it is only an average offering, due to a robotic, scarcely emotional performance from Gosling, and a love triangle that is too ridiculous a stretch to disregard. The film has style, and some nice noir-ish underpinnings that help keep one impressed concerning how it is done, but one can not escape the hollow love story between Gosling and Evan Rachel Wood (which feels so forced), which ultimately proves to have a huge affect on the story's outcome. Not bad, but definitely missable - "Primary Colors" is the superior film of the presidential campaign films that come to mind, mostly because, unlike 'Ides', it also knows it can have a sense of humor as well, which goes a long way.

• Melvin W

  
  Stephen Meyers: You can lie, you can cheat, you can start a war, you can bankrupt the country, but you can't fuck the interns. They get you for that.  "Ambition Seduces. Power Corrupts." Back room politics is much more entertaining than the dull stuff we see on the… More
  Stephen Meyers: You can lie, you can cheat, you can start a war, you can bankrupt the country, but you can't fuck the interns. They get you for that.  "Ambition Seduces. Power Corrupts." Back room politics is much more entertaining than the dull stuff we see on the news daily. George Clooney's The Ides of March does a good job balancing the thrills of the scandal that is taking place with credible and realistic politics. This is said to be based on Howard Dean's 2004 presidential run. I can see everything about this story being true, and if you think about it, it's all very scary. I know none of this is really new. We know politicians are liars, even the president. But there is nothing going on with this presidential candidate that would make him a good leader, and despite even knowing all the stuff that is going on behind the scenes; he is a smooth talker and you believe him. And with the help of Stephen Myers, there's nothing he couldn't make you believe. If I had watched this at a younger age, I know I wouldn't have like it as much. I would have found it dull, despite it's stylistic nature, and probably wouldn't have cared. But now that I've reached an age where politics actually does matter to me, this was a great watch. It demonstrates a lot of the things that are wrong with are system. Presidential candidate Mike Morris talks of integrity, but he really has none. He lies and he is corrupt.  We are initially deceived by Stephen Myers, a young, but experienced and intelligent staffer. He seems like he really wants what is best for the people. He believes in Mike Morris because he will actually create change and affect people's lives in a positive way. Then Stephen finds out a dark secret about Morris. From there... well read the tagline. Clooney directs this with extreme precision. He makes the film as entertaining as was possible without gimmicks. The screenplay that he co-wrote is intelligent. This cast doesn't hurt things either. Gosling's the star, and one of the best young actors we have right now. Clooney is the veteran playing Morris, and he gives a terrific performance as you would expect. Then there's a great supporting cast with names like Giammati, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, and Tomei. With Clooney's smart direction and a cast like this, it has to be good.  When I first saw the trailer for this months before it came out, I said to myself, this is going to win Best Picture. Well that isn't going to happen, but still it is as solid a political thriller as I could have hoped for. Clooney keeps showing that he isn't going to back down from making quality movies just because of his stardom. He keeps taking on challenging movies, as an actor and as a director, when many stars start looking for those quick paychecks. 

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