Maybe he liked the script, or needed a paycheck. In a way, watching the The Ides of March gave me a greater appreciation for Hoffman’s oeuvre: it’s almost refreshing to see him turn in something average when he usually contributes so much more. Honestly, that’s fine too! It would be unreasonable to expect any actor to turn in groundbreaking work every time they take a part. Like the other performers, Hoffman’s just sort of there, saying his lines with varying degrees of intensity. Ripley: Hoffman doesn’t push his supporting part to new heights or reveal what wasn’t on the page. When Stephen appears disloyal, he gets really mad and delivers a big speech or two. Alas, no one – not even Philip Seymour Hoffman – turns in a remarkable or standout performance.Īs the principled Paul, his character wants to win and values loyalty.
Even the ever-underrated Jeffrey Wright shows up doing a Jesse Jackson impression. There are a lot of conventionally-shot people talking in rooms – the most ambitious image lies on the poster.Īlas, no one – not even Philip Seymour Hoffman – turns in a remarkable or standout performance.īut what a cast! The sheer quantity of talented people turning in middle-of-the-road work is a sight to behold. Then again, Clooney never conjures any distinct frames – the closest he comes is a shouting match between Zara and Meyers behind an enormous American flag. Ferrari) pick an old-fashioned, at times over-exposed style that almost reminded me of Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead (though that could’ve been because Hoffman again shares the screen with Marisa Tomei).
At least it’s competently shot: unlike House of Cards’ slick, clean, digital look, Clooney and cinematographer Phedon Papamichael ( Nebraska, Ford V. Then there’s plenty of scheming and backroom dealing.Īs director, Clooney fails to elevate this material into a memorable story. He flirts with Evan Rachel Wood’s Molly Stearns, who’s here in what passed for a three-dimensional role for a woman nine years ago. As in his (now infamous) Netflix show, Willimon’s interested in the people behind the power, the staffers pulling the strings, the con games of American politics.Īnd so protagonist Stephen takes a meeting with rival campaign manager Tom Duffy ( Paul Giamatti) – as inciting incidents go, they don’t get much duller. Based on the play Farragut North, it turns out this 2011 drama was just a practice run for writer Beau Willimon’s real outing, House of Cards. Or maybe his opponent is a moderate? Who knows! None of the actual politics make much sense, nor do they matter. A dozen hundred delegates deep, Morris – an idealistic progressive as handsome as Clooney – finds himself locked in a tight race against a senator who might be even more to the left.
#The ides of march juststream crack#
He’s got a crack team behind him, led by campaign manager Paul Zara ( Philip Seymour Hoffman), and top hot-shot consultant Stephen Meyers ( Ryan Gosling). It’s fine!ĭoes The Ides of March take place in 2008 or 2012? Who knows! Whenever it’s set, Governor Mike Morris (Clooney) is running for President – but he’s got to secure the democratic nomination first. Co-written, directed and co-starring George Clooney, this obviously outdated look at American politics finds its groove as middling entertainment.
#The ides of march juststream movie#
Does anyone remember The Ides of March? I ask in good faith – classy, Oscar-nominated dramas featuring multiple movie stars rarely go so forgotten.
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