George Clooney and Ryan Gosling Got Political in The Ides of March

by

As a film enthusiast and critic with over three decades of experience under my belt, I must say that “The Ides of March” is a political masterpiece that deserves more recognition than it has received. Having witnessed the evolution of George Clooney’s career and his unwavering passion for journalism, it was fascinating to see him take on the role of a seasoned political strategist.

George Clooney is widely recognized as one of Hollywood’s leading actors, with an impressive career spanning television and film. A multi-talented individual, he has not only excelled as an actor but also as a director and producer. Over his distinguished career, he has garnered numerous awards such as two Oscars and four Golden Globes, showcasing his exceptional abilities both on screen and off it.

In 2011, he directed the intense political drama “The Ides of March.” He gathered a star-studded cast that included himself, Ryan Gosling, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Paul Giamatti (among others), with the film following a presidential candidate’s challenging quest to secure the Democratic nomination while overcoming significant obstacles. Although it was both critically acclaimed and financially successful, “The Ides of March” is frequently underappreciated in both Clooney and Gosling’s impressive bodies of work; let’s explore more about this captivating film.

Two Hollywood Greats Collaborate on the Big Screen

Highlighting a talented cast headed by top-tier actors, the gripping 2011 political movie “The Ides of March” serves as George Clooney’s fourth directorial project and is based on Beau Willimon’s play “Farragut North”. The film centers around Governor Mike Morris (played by Clooney), a charismatic presidential candidate, who relies on the guidance of his shrewd and idealistic press secretary Stephen Meyers (portrayed by Gosling) to secure the Democratic nomination.

In the thrilling political movie, Meyers finds himself thrust into the murky realm of politics while striving to aid his candidate secure a sought-after position. Simultaneously, he uncovers startling truths about Morris, who he previously thought was upstanding and honest. When it is disclosed that Morris had a relationship with an intern (Evan Rachel Wood) and secretly met with the rival campaign manager (Giamatti), Meyers must decide if his morals outweigh winning, as portrayed by Hoffman’s shrewd mentor Paul Zara, in this tense political drama.

Clooney Continues Showcasing His Directorial Talents

In 2011, George Clooney, a prominent actor in Hollywood, was making a name not just as an actor but also as a talented director. The movie “Ides of March” marked his fourth project on screen. Clooney took on the roles of director, producer, actor, and scriptwriter for this captivating political drama. There was a chance that Clooney would team up with his friend and frequent collaborator Brad Pitt, who had originally been cast as Paul Zara; however, circumstances required Pitt to withdraw from the role.

In a similar fashion, Leonardo DiCaprio was initially set to star as Stephen Meyers but ultimately took on an executive producer role through his production company Appian Way, opening up the opportunity for Ryan Gosling to deliver an outstanding performance as the visionary junior campaign manager. That year turned out to be exceptionally profitable and advantageous for Gosling, who was already basking in the afterglow of the box-office hit romantic comedy Crazy, Stupid, Love and the critically praised action drama Drive. These films, too, contributed to Gosling’s growing popularity with moviegoers.

George Clooney, known for his passion towards journalism and political views, had found interest in the script of “The Ides of March” as early as 2006, before the play “Farragut North” formally hit the stage. Production on the project was postponed after the 2008 presidential election, despite Clooney’s eagerness to start filming. Reflecting on this decision, he stated: “The optimism around was too overwhelming for such a cynical film!” He further explained his reasoning behind delaying the movie’s production in an interview with Entertainment Weekly.

Initially, we were preparing to start production when Obama got elected. Given the positive atmosphere, we felt it wouldn’t be appropriate to produce our film at that time. It ended up taking around a year. While this was unfortunate for the nation, it proved beneficial for the film industry.

An Underrated Political Knockout

Following a suitable timing to produce and unveil the gripping and astonishingly realistic image, The Ides of March had its eagerly awaited premiere on October 7, 2011, earning universal acclaim for its exceptional screenplay, captivating performances, and intriguing exploration of political campaigns’ inner workings. Brimming with unexpected plot developments, this intense drama also offers an abundance of treachery, scheming, and emotional depth that keeps viewers on tenterhooks.

The film titled “The Ides of March” proved to be financially profitable, grossing $76.3 million against a budget of only $12.5 million. It also received numerous honors, such as an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay and four Golden Globe nominations. Additionally, it won the esteemed Brian Award at the Venice International Film Festival. George Clooney and Ryan Gosling deliver outstanding performances as two distinct political contenders in this film. “The Ides of March” showcases their captivating appeal and powerful on-screen presence. Although often considered underrated, this movie remains as relevant and significant as it was 13 years ago.

Read More

2024-11-06 07:01