Movie of the Month - March - The Ides of March

For March, the movie of the month is...The Ides of March. I feel that this film is very underrated, it was actually one of my favorite movies in 2011 and it even ended up in my top 5 of 2011. I think Good Night and Good Luck is a fine film, but I found The Ides of March to be easily the most entertaining movie that was directed by George Clooney, though I won't deny that it seems to be mostly Clooney's vanity project that allowed him to preach his ideals without actually running for any public position.

Scene of the Week: The Ides of March

directed by George Clooney

The Betrayal

The scene: After being fired Stephen Meyers decides to switch sides - furious, he is walking in the opposing candidate office, prepared to sell everyone he knows to get ahead. He is looking for Duffy - opposing party advisor who once asked him to join them, who then sees him and freezes, taken by surprise. Beautifully timed by Clooney and scored by Alexandre Desplat the scene is a testimony to Gosling's talent who can show so many strong emotions in even a very short sequence.

Soundtrack Wednesday - The Ides of March

Song: The Betrayal
Artist: Alexandre Desplat
Movie: The Ides of March

The Ides of March

95/100 (101 min, 2011)

Plot: An idealistic staffer for a newbie presidential candidate gets a crash course on dirty politics during his stint on the campaign trail.
Director: George Clooney
Writers: George Clooney (screenplay), Grant Heslov (screenplay)
Stars: Ryan Gosling, George Clooney and Philip Seymour Hoffman

The Death of Ideals

“The Ides of March” is a thrilling movie and the best film George Clooney has made so far. It is also the best portrayal of the cold and hopeless world of people playing the game of lies and power since "Michael Clayton" I love Clooney as an actor, not so much as a director – he did horrible “Leatherheads”, stylish but ultimately disappointing “Good Night and Good Luck” and messy “Confessions of a dangerous mind” which had some impressive scenes and an outstanding performance by Sam Rockwell, but was ultimately a deeply flawed film. “The Ides of March” is however beautifully executed and the story – co-written by Clooney is incredibly engaging, from start to finish.