What an interesting, interesting filmThe Ides of March is.
I don't mean interesting in reference to the plot. Everyone knows politics is a dirty game. The people involved will do or say anything to win an election. Turn on CNN or MSNBC or whatever today and you'll see it clear as day in this primary season. Plus, any film-going audience has seen all the backhanded political tricks in any film that has any sort of political/election background. The Ides of March doesn't really offer anything new on this front. Nothing new is offered, it's not viewed from a radically different angle, no fresh commentary is offered.
All that said, I absolutely loved this film. I can honestly say this is the first time I actually got Ryan Gosling (I wasn't enamored with him in last year's Blue Valentine). George Clooney's direction is top notch, filled with wonderful pacing and some truly fantastic choices (the press conference, for one).
Having seen all 9 Best Picture nominees, I would officially call this a snub. Snubs all around, actually. Gosling, Clooney's direction, Best Picture, everything. Sure, the film could be something more than it was, but for what it was, it was wonderful. Now, to read the play the film is based on...
