Blu-ray Review: Oscar-Nominated ‘The Ides of March’ With Ryan Gosling

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CHICAGO – One of the more surprising choices this week by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences was to cite the Adapted Screenplay for George Clooney’s “The Ides of March,” recently released on DVD and Blu-ray. The Ryan Gosling-led drama has some strengths, but it’s script is the weakest element of the film. The sheer force of talent of the people who bring it to life may have led some to believe it’s better than it actually is. See for yourself.

HollywoodChicago.com Blu-ray rating: 3.0/5.0
Rating: 3.0/5.0

They don’t make movies like “The Ides of March” much any more and, for that fact alone, I think many have been tempted to overlook the film’s flaws. Personally, I’d love it if we had more star-studded political thrillers like they used to make in the ’70s. Given today’s controversial political times, it seems appropriate for the genre to make a resurgence, but this ain’t gonna do it. It just barely works, in no small part due to stellar supporting performances by Philip Seymour Hoffman and Paul Giamatii, but this is a definite disappointment considering the pedigree of the talent assembled to make it.

The ubiquitous Gosling stars as Stephen Myers, the hot new political whiz kid (who does some of the dumbest things in the history of political whiz kids in this film, puncturing a believability hole in the very foundation of the story…this kid’s not smart enough to get this high on the ladder). He’s the right-hand man to a legendary campaign runner named Paul Zara (Hoffman), who is currently spinning the plates for Governor Mike Morris (George Clooney), a man considered by most to be the frontrunner for the next POTUS. But it’s a tight race. And Myers is presented with an opportunity on the eve of the Ohio primary, a vote that could turn the entire Democratic nomination and create the infighting that could push the Republicans back into the White House — jump ship.

The Ides of March
The Ides of March
Photo credit: Sony Pictures

Tom Duffy is the captain of the other ship, Morris’ rival, who comes calling for Mr. Myers. The fact that Myers even considers making such a move, even going to a meeting about it, sets a series of dominoes falling, ultimately revealing a major, career-ending secret in the hotshot Governor’s personal life. There are other personalities circling Stephen’s world including reporter Ida Horowicz (Marisa Tomei), fellow staffer Ben Harpen (Max Minghella), influential Senator Thompson (Jeffrey Wright), and tempting young staff member Molly Stearns (Evan Rachel Wood). “The Ides of March” is a film about a young man both trying to keep his political future on course and possibly shaping that of the entire nation.

The Ides of March was released Blu-ray and DVD on January 17th, 2012
The Ides of March was released Blu-ray and DVD on January 17th, 2012
Photo credit: Sony Pictures

Stephen is a cipher, someone who feels more often like he (often unbelievably) reacts than makes decisions on his own. Consequently, “The Ides of March” is a thriller without a hero. As much as I LOVE Gosling (and he’s good even here considering what he was given), it’s a flaw that the film is stolen so completely by the supporting players. Stephen Myers is just not an engaging lead. To be fair, Hoffman and Giamatti are spectacular, and a late scene with Clooney ranks with the actor’s best. They’re reason enough to rent the film. I just wish I could give you more reasons to buy it.

As for the Blu-ray, it’s a strong edition, as one would expect from a Sony film with this kind of hype. Sony treats even their small critical darlings well. They’re not going to drop the ball with an Oscar nominee.

Synopsis:
Ambition seduces and power corrupts in a nerve-wracking thriller from Academy Award® nominated director George Clooney (Good Night, and Good Luck). Idealistic campaign worker Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling) has sworn to give all for Governor Mike Morris (Clooney), a wild card presidential candidate whose groundbreaking ideas could change the political landscape. However, a brutal Ohio primary threatens to test Morris’s integrity. Stephen gets trapped in the down-and-dirty battle and finds himself caught up in a scandal where the only path to survival is to play both sides. The all-star cast includes Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood.

Special Features:
o Commentary with George Clooney and Grant Heslov
o Believe: George Clooney
o On the Campaign: The Cast of The Ides Of March
o Developing the Campaign: The Origins of The Ides Of March
o What Does a Political Consultant Do?
o BD Live Enabled

“The Ides of March” stars Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Max Minghella, Marisa Tomei, Jeffrey Wright, and Evan Rachel Wood. It was directed by George Clooney and was released on Blu-ray and DVD on January 17th, 2012.

HollywoodChicago.com content director Brian Tallerico

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

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