Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction

People in power live in a world of their own one, where they often become a law unto themselves. They move in special circles, fraternising with the upper echelons of society and pretty soon, they think of themselves as being so very special, too. So special in fact, that the rules that ordinarily apply to you and me, don’t apply to them and if it does, it shouldn’t. But this is where they are especially wrong. 

George Clooney - Governor Mike Morris

Governor Mike Morris (George Clooney) is half-way through his presidential campaign and is about to become the next President of the United States of America, if he is that special. Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling) believes that he is, but then again, so is Stephen. He is the media manager of the Governor’s campaign and he is brilliant. Unfortunately for Stephen, it’s not just the people in his camp that think this highly of him - the opposing party does too.

When he gets a call to meet the Republican’s campaign manager, Tom Duffy (Paul Giamatti), he lets his ego get in the way of his future as a possible White House staff member. He forgets that in politics, especially in politics, the only currency you can count on is loyalty. Without it you are nothing and you have no one. It’s a cutthroat game where trust is valued far more than skill. 

Marisa Tomei as reporter 'Ida Horowisz'.

As a result, he not only gets fired for his unfaithfulness, but also has to face the fact that his meeting with Duffy has been leaked to an eager newspaper reporter, thanks to his former Campaign Manager, Paul Zara (Philip Seymour Hoffman). Ida certainly doesn't mind, she's been waiting for that next sensational scoop and this is it.  

Evan Rachel Wood - 'Molly'.

Luckily, Stephen’s not the only one who’s been unfaithful. The governor, the man who has been preaching to the people that, ‘Dignity matters, loyalty matters’, has been unfaithful too, and got an intern, 'Molly', pregnant. Now if you want to be president, ‘you can lie, you can cheat, you can start a war, you can bankrupt the country, but you cannot f*** the interns, they get you for that.’ 

Ryan Gosling as 'Stephen Meyers'.

Stephen took a lesson or two from the very best while working his way up the ranks, and nothing or no one is going to stand in his way from making it to the top, even if it means he has to bend the rules a bit himself. When he confronts Governor Morris about his illicit affair, the tables are turned for good in his favour, so good that one has to wonder which one of these two men should actually be the next president? 

  

‘The Ides of March’ is a must-see movie. Gosling has come a long way since ‘The Notebook’ days and Clooney impresses with his shot selection and overall guidance as director. The movie has a steady pace and as audience we are shown some true insights into the less glamorous side of politics.