Monday, October 10, 2011

The Ides of March


Another in a long line of political dramas that point out there is no such thing as an honest politician. George Clooney directs himself, along with Ryan Gosling, Evan Rachel Wood, Paul Giamatti and Phillip Seymour Hoffman in this tale of political twists and turns.

Mr. Gosling is at the center of things as an idealistic and as it turns out , very naïve press secretary helping Mr. Hoffman run the primary campaign of the Pennsylvania Governor played by Mr. Clooney. It's not the most riveting plot and the suspense is lacking but the acting carries the film. In particular, Mr. Giamati and Mr. Hoffman, who chew up the scenery fighting over the services of Mr. Gosling. This has been quite a year for Mr. Gosling and he is much more animated and involved here than his last effort, "Drive".

Mr. Clooney's direction is rather pedestrian, moving the plot along at a leisurely pace with enough exposition to make sure the audience is following every point. The film has obviously been released now for award season but doesn't have the gravitas to go all the way. It's entertaining enough but I expected more.

No comments: