The Ides of March

The Ides Of March

I am a political junkie. Everyday there is so much to devour in local, national and international politics. People are getting angry and the disfavor with politicians is reaching epic proportions. I was interested in the film because of the topic. It’s a story about a governor fighting his rival in the primaries to become the candidate for President of the United States. Initially he is a man of integrity and high values. That is until things change.
The all star cast is amazing. Each actor performs his part to perfection. I believe that Ryan Gosling is the real star. He plays the part of Steve working in a high level position to help the Democratic Governor Mike Morris’s get elected. He works long hours and never seems to take his focus from his work.
Governor Morris is played by George Clooney. At the beginning of the film he is charming, sincere, dedicated and above all full of integrity with the highest values.
Steve has a working relationship with a reporter. She tells him,” Mike Morris is a politician. He is a nice guy. Sooner or later he’ll let you down.” That almost becomes the key to the rest of the story.
Steve works directly under the campaign manager played by Philip Seymour Hoffman. Steve neglects to tell his boss that he has been propositioned for a job by the manager of the opposing candidate. Paul Giamatti is superb as the opposition manager.
What a cast! There is suspense, sex, intrigue, slander and blackmail.
Steve uncovers a deep dark secret. Things begin to unravel. He finds himself without a job. The opposition doesn’t want him anymore. The intrigue and dirty dealings are so believable.
Of course there has to be sexual undercurrents and this evolves into a major part of the story. It won’t surprise you to learn that a young intern gets herself into trouble. When will they ever learn?
I sat on the edge of my seat. I was fascinated. I kept hoping that the handsome intelligent Democratic candidate would win in an honorable way. I guess politics just doesn’t operate that way.