THE IDES OF MARCH (2011)

Complicated.  Predictably well done.  Complicated.

Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling) is the press secretary for Governor Mike Morris (George Clooney), a democrat competing in the primaries leading to the presidential race.  Meyers works for the Governor because he sincerely believes that Morris is a good man who will be good for the nation.  Unfortunately, the Governor has a penis.  Meyers accidentally discovers that Molly (Evan Rachel Wood), the intern he just started sleeping with, had an incident with the Governor and that she is in fact pregnant with his child.  Meyers, distraught but loyal to his candidate, goes about taking care of the problem.  Then he gets fired by his immediate boss Paul (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) for meeting with Paul's equivalent at the Republican camp, who's eager to steal him from the democrats.  Fired for a meeting.  Meyers is in shock and more so knowing that the Governor approved his dismissal.  Justifiably feeling slighted after all the blood and sweat poured into the campaign, Meyers decides vengeance is his.  Sadly, Meyers finds himself fallen from his lofty ideals regarding honesty and integrity, fallen into blackmailing and secrecy, for by hook or by crook, Meyers is dedicated to getting the right man into office, and despite the always unreliable penis, Morris is the right man.

Though it's not crazy complicated like some political thrillers it's complicated.  It's actually not so much the story that's complicated as it is the issues within the story.  The film is more character driven than anything, so the issues are whether or not our characters are right or wrong in their actions.  

Dear Ryan, 

  I'm so glad we're on a first name basis now, what with the five reviews and numerous accusations concerning my motivation for this review blog, which apparently comes off as a personal homage to you, which is unfair considering were I a man such accusations would be less likely.  Anyway Ryan, just wondering, do you like warm custard on your cake?

Sincerely.

Whatever people.  It's a legitimate question.  For when Gosling plays vengeance it looks just as good.  He arcs his character from an idealist with the actual power to orchestrate his ideals into reality, to an injured and deflated soul whose hurt feelings propel him to fight for what he wants in the least ideal way; and he does it well.

Clooney did a good job directing as he did acting.  But who am I to even discuss anything His Hollywood Highness does, or even doesn't (like get married or have children).  Mr. Hoffman can do no wrong.  All performances are as good as expected from the likes of Giamatti and Tomei.  Great acting all around.  As I said, predictable.

Why review a film that's probably as great as expected?  To convince anyone on the fence or only meaning to see it but not making any moves towards the cinema.  Go see The Ides of March.  It's probably still at a theatre near you.