Photo Credit: Sony Pictures © 2010 Sony Pictures Digital Inc. All Rights Reserved

A Dark Political Thriller

If you’ve ever wondered about the game playing that goes on ‘behind the scenes’ of a political campaign, especially one that has its eye on the Presidency, this film should be on high on your radar. Directed by, written by and co-starring George Clooney, (a devout Democrat) this game of cat and mouse serves up a victory dance. Yes, Clooney does receive writing credit for the re-boot screenplay of Beau Willimon’s original play “Farragut North.” Despite the script’s weaknesses, the film features a stellar cast of Ryan Gosling, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Evan Rachel Wood, Marisa Tomei and Jeffrey Wright; it’s the actors that carry the weight of the film.

Ryan Gosling (Drive, 2011) is intense right out of the gate as presidential candidate Mike Morris’ (Clooney) advisor, Stephan Meyers. He’s smart, calculating and at the top of his game, so much so that the opposition, Paul Giamatti’s camp, wants him to switch sides. Evan Rachel Wood plays an intern whose father is head of the Democratic Party. Her character portrayal is amazing as her exterior comes off tough, yet she’s extremely vulnerable. As an extra treat, Wood and Gosling do hook up for some steamy scenes.

Hoffman plays a veteran political strategist (Paul Zara) who heads up the Morris camp. He’s no stranger to political films and in Charlie Wilson’s War (2007), as maverick CIA chief Gust L. Avakotos, he steals the film from Tom Hanks as US Texas Representative Charlie Wilson. His character’s persona was crass and rough around the edges. In this role he’s more of an old school, by the books kind of guy, which is somewhat refreshing to view given the oddity of most of his characters.

“Ides” does offer twists and turns which play into the mystery/thriller plot line. The use of cynicism in politics is at the core of the film with the parallel unfolding of two very separate events. The events become intertwined and play out in a rather large dramatic ending scene. However, it was predictable, neatly packaged and too abrupt for my liking. One is left with, “Is that all there is?” What about the future? What happens to these characters in 10 years or even 20? The film felt somewhat unfinished in my mind, yet the acting overrides and turns the film into a very good film, but not a great one.

As far as Clooney’s directing goes, several camera angle shots were spot on by use of numerous unique techniques. A closing in lens shot on a subject’s face and using a largely framed backdrop of the American flag in a wide angle shot added to the theme of the film. Several lingering still shots enhanced the dramatic tone of the film. One particular scene that was noteworthy was the use of a cell phone during a special press conference in which Morris is speaking on a rather delicate topic. All and all, Clooney the actor took a back seat and conceded the reins to the talented cast.

Bottom-line: Clooney's film from start to finish. Dramatic acting by Hollywood's top actors.

Sarah Adamson© October 8, 2011