Can politics be corrupt, sleazy, and downright wrong? Yup, read this review.
Well, it’s been a busy week in politics. World politics, state politics, and even local politics. None of it looking good, and all of it could be made into a feature film. But the politics I’m going to talk about is “movie” politics.
This weekend, while the political world was rapidly crashing down around me, I managed to make my way to the local cineplex to catch a political drama. That film was “The Ides of March.”
“The Ides of March” is the fourth film to be directed by the political (and overwhelmingly handsome) George Clooney. Clooney does not disappoint with this film (unlike “Leatherheads,” in which he did disappoint… greatly).
The movie stars a slew of Oscar-nominated actors such as Ryan Gosling, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Paul Giamatti. And also Evan Rachel Wood (who I don’t think has ever been nominated for an Oscar).
This is a story about insider politics in the days leading up to the Ohio democratic primary, with a victory most likely leading up to the democratic nomination for the presidency.
It also tells the story of corruption, loyalty, power, and suicide.
Governor Mike Morris (Clooney), is trying to get the nomination for president and if he can win Ohio, along with getting their delegates, then he’s a shoe-in. One problem, the Ohio senator (aptly played by Jeffrey Wright) wants something in return for backing him, and in turn, receiving those delegates. He wants a cabinet post. Either Secretary of State or Vice President. In comes the governor’s muscle, who are his political analyst and strategist (played splendidly by Gosling and Hoffman). What ensues is a bunch of back door, dirty politics, along with disloyalty and even, God forbid, an affair! And also an eventual suicide.
Now being me, Matty W. Kelley, and not really into politics at all, I can affirmatively tell you that I most likely botched how this story was told, but if you at least understood just a fraction of what I wrote, or if you’re way into politics, or just downright love a good sleazy, back-handed political drama, then you will undoubtedly love this film. I’m being serious here, I hate politics but I absolutely loved this film!
If you want something interesting and fun to do this weekend, don’t “occupy” Norwood, don’t protest against the local manatees sunning on the rocks of Cape Cod bay, don’t do anything stupid! Just get to the movie theatre and see “The Ides of March.” You’ll thank me for it.
Since I’ve already seen this film, I figure I’ll begin planning my political career… Any openings in any Norwood political offices?
Thank you, and “I am not a crook!”