The Ides of March (2011) – Encore Review

“You know, I’m trying to remember if the Democrats have ever nominated an atheist before.” – Tom Duffy

“Well, we know they’ve nominated a jackass before.” – Paul Zara

Number of Times Seen – Three (4 Dec 2011, 9 Jul 2015 and 6 May 2021)

Link to original review – Here

Brief Synopsis – A political consultant must decide what to do when he finds out damning evidence about his candidate.

My Take on it – This is a film that fits right into the genre of political upheaval that I’ve always enjoyed

The script, written for the stage by Beau Willimon perfectly is transferred to the screen with the help of George Clooney and his producing/writing partner Grant Heslov.

The dialogue is witty and crisp and stays so intriguing form start to finish.

The story takes place over a very short period of time, yet finds a way to tell such a complete political story that resonates so well.

Teh characters are all developed really well and they all seem like people who would fit into the world of the West Wing perfectly.

The story is fast paced and manages to stay gripping from start to finish.

George Clooney does an amazing job directing this film and even has a pivotal role as the Presidential Candidate and his charisma helps make him seem so perfect for this role.

It would be interesting if he one day uses this charisma for a real run for a political position.

The cast is led by Ryan Gosling and features Paul Giamatti, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Marisa Tomei and Even Rachel Wood and they all come across very realistic in all that they do here.

MovieRob’s Favorite Trivia – The Ides of March is March 15, notable as the day on which Julius Caesar was assassinated. In Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar,” before being stabbed to death, Caesar is told by a Soothsayer: “Beware the ides of March.” (From IMDB)

Rating – Oscar Worthy (9/10) (no change from original review)