"The Ides of March"

By Matt Duncan
Coastal View News

On the ides of March, in 44 B. C. E., Julius Caesar was literally stabbed in the back by his political rivals. This story should sound familiar. That is, whether you know your history, have read any Shakespeare, or just hear about Congress every now and then, this story should sound familiar. So maybe it is surprising that “The Ides of March”, George Clooney’s new political thriller, is exciting, fresh, intriguing, and yes, even original. This movie plays on a lot of familiar themes, but it does this with a certain style—a 21st-century twist, if you will—that makes it feel contemporary and relevant.

“The Ides of March” is about the race for public office. Governor Mike Morris of Pennsylvania (George Clooney) is the ideal Presidential candidate. He is smart, good-looking, and well-spoken. He has ideas, and he knows how to communicate them. What’s more, Morris has his finger on the pulse of the country; he knows what people want, and he has something to say about how to give it to them.

But Morris needs Paul Zara (Philip Seymour Hoffman), who is his campaign manager and closest ally. Zara’s experience and political skills are legendary—he is a campaign guru—and his loyalty to Morris is absolutely unshakeable. Indeed, he would quit his job, jump off a bridge, or even shake hands with a Republican before betraying his candidate’s trust.

These characters are easily recognizable, not because they are overly flat or clichéd, but because they know what they stand for, they are consistent, they have their ideas all worked out, and they refuse to give in to the opposition.

Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling), Morris’ second-in-command, is somewhat of a different story. He is complicated. Meyers is young, idealistic, and motivated by the hope for a better future. But he is also clever, conniving, and willing to do whatever it takes to win. Meyers thinks that principles like loyalty, honesty, and goodness are important, but he also thinks that (sometimes) the ends justify the means.

As far as Morris’ campaign goes, it looks like it will all come down to Ohio. Meyers and Zara work the phones, talk to supporters, write stump speeches, direct interns—they do everything they can to make sure their guy comes out on top. And it’s working; Morris’ prospects look great.

Rather, Morris’ prospects looked great; that is, until Ohio Republicans conspire to vote for Morris’ Democratic opponent, who is less likely than Morris to win the general election. With this plan in motion, Morris’ hefty lead quickly vanishes. The campaign reaches a fever pitch as everyone scrambles to make the big move that will push Morris over the top.

However, as tensions rise, strategies that were once off the table slide back on the table. Even Meyers, who spews idealism, begins to consider uncouth options—he starts to peer down dark alleys and into smoky back rooms—in order to get his candidate into office. But Meyers is disgusted by what he sees; he is not sure that he can do what it takes to get the job done. For the young, cocksure strategist learns that his intelligence and hard work are not enough to succeed in politics. Meyers learns that he has to get down in the muck, or else hit the showers.

“The Ides of March” is a really good political thriller. Sure, it covers the usual bases: back room deals, betrayal, corruption, tireless stumping, and the byproducts of power. This sort of story, as we know, is as old as Julius Caesar. Nevertheless, this movie is exciting and interesting; it really makes you wonder what is coming next. It’s surprising.

What is not so surprising is that George Clooney, Ryan Gosling, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, and Evan Rachel Wood really play their parts well. So well, in fact, that it seems like they actually could succeed as politicians, aides, or strategists. Clooney, who also directs and co-writes “The Ides of March”, really accomplishes a lot here. He makes us think, reflect, and weigh our own values, and he does this without jamming an overwrought message down our throats. And that’s worth watching.