The Ides of March Blu-ray

George Clooneys fourth film, The Ides of March, a political thriller set in the midst of a Democratic Presidential primary in Ohio, is a smart film about people who do... Read on

George Clooneys fourth film, The Ides of March, a political thriller set in the midst of a Democratic Presidential primary in Ohio, is a smart film about people who do not act very smartly. In this case, a careerist press secretary seems to lose his idealism when he is suddenly sacked for an indiscretion, an ambitious young intern becomes accessible to the campaign in too many ways, and a certain Governor makes lofty promises on the campaign trail but forgets to bring his morals to the party.

Based on the play Farragut North by Beau Willimon who, together with Clooney and Grant Heslov, adapted it for the screen, The Ides of March is a well-done, entertaining, and riveting film that has a stellar ensemble cast that includes Ryan Gosling as Stephen Miles, a press secretary dedicated to the Presidential candidacy of Governor Mike Morris (Clooney) who is locked in a tight Ohio primary battle with Arkansas Senator Ted Pullman.

Playing strong supporting roles are Philip Seymour Hoffman as Paul Zara, Morris scrappy veteran campaign manager, and Paul Giamatti as the conniving campaign manager for Pullman, Tom Duffy. As the film begins, Miles walks into a darkened auditorium and, as the lights go on, tests the sound system by reading some of his boss campaign rhetoric.

The stakes are high for Morris as a win in Ohio would likely give him enough delegates to win the nomination. Aware of this, Pullmans campaign manager devises a fool-proof scenario to bring Morris down that involves a top player on Morris staff. The Ides of March is a basically honest though often cynical film that does not pull its punches but does not address the corrupting influence of big money in politics.

We know about the corruption in politics but some forget that there are people remaining in political life who have not given up their principles and who know that they can still make a difference through their energy and integrity.
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