TIFF Review: THE IDES OF MARCH

THE IDES OF MARCH feels like the sort of film Hollywood used to make in the 70’s. In an era of uncertainty and unrest, a collection of rebel directors were making major motion pictures that continually called into question all sorts of things about the American way of life: its values, its media, its politics…nothing was out-of-bounds. As a foreign observer, it’s been interesting to notice the slight swell in these sorts of films returning.

What you need to know about THE IDES OF MARCH is that while it is a political film, it is not a political film. It’s not a story of right-versus-left, but instead it’s a tale of the politics involved with the political life. When it comes to running as a candidate, we all know that it’s never as simple as “May the Best Person Win”. In any political system, there are more games being played than day one of March Madness. The same is true for the people behind-the-scenes running the campaign.

This is a film for grown ups who like great story, great acting, great writing and great direction. George Clooney is very much the face of this film, but interestingly while the film is about him, it’s not his story that drives the engine. That job has been handed to Ryan Gosling, who I think we can all agree is on an amazing roll as of late. Gosling is a political strategist trying to guide a Democratic governor towards his party’s presidential candidacy. And even though the candidate – Clooney as idealist Mike Morris – portrays the great white hope, what’s involved behind the scenes to get him to his goal involves a heavy dose of personal sacrifice.

I’m remiss to say anything else, because I truly believe that this is the sort of film that people need to see for themselves and just let it unfurl (And also because I want to leave myself something to say about it in four weeks when it’s released). What I will say is that any time you get actors like Gosling and Phil Seymour Hoffman playing off one another, it’s a good day. When you can get Seymour Hoffman and Paul Giamatti playing off one another, it’s a great day. Pepper in actors like Marisa Tomei, Geoffrey Wright, Evan Rachel Wood, and the aforementioned Clooney, and you have the makings of an acting clinic.

At one point in THE IDES OF MARCH, a character admits “I have drunk the Kool Aid. It’s delicious.” Well I too have drunk the Kool Aid where this film is concerned, and as I had hoped, it is a sign that directorial for George Clooney, LEATHERHEADS was a mere blip on an otherwise upward trajectory. This is a film is pure grown-up human drama, and I will be genuinely curious to see how it is received.

THE IDES OF MARCH has finished its TIFF engagement. It opens in North American theatres on October 7th.