The Ides of March discussion for those who've seen the film

For those lucky enough to have seen Ides of March already, let us know what you think and don't forget to vote.

I thought it was brilliant. The kind of movie I could see more than once.

Mostly a thriller set in a political scenario.
Loved it and I think he should get a nomination for best director.
His character is a bit of a villain, which is unusual for how he's normally typecast: gentleman rogue or even the affable buffoon (O Brother, Where Art Thou? & Burn After Reading).

I agree with both the above… It makes you want to see it more than once because you feel as if there’s more behind the scenes that you didn’t pick up on the first time. Anyway that’s how it makes me feel. I will be watching it again! Since I’ve seen it once I can focus on the “background” this time.

This is the third time I'm posting this because it just doesn't seem to be registering.
IOM is a great, suspenseful movie but I don't know if I'd class it really as a thriller, didn't send chills up my spine (except looking at George). It is a very well written and directed project. George and Grant outdid themselves with the script. George's directing was first rate. The acting-Ryan was super in his part and really "made" the movie, George was George, charming, smooth, charismatic but slightly evil. Philip and Paul both were dynamic in their parts, sometimes bombastic, and intense. Evan was very good as the "innocent" intern. Marisa was okay as the tough reporter. Jeffrey played his part with elegant cynicism. Everybody meshed together perfectly to fit the bill.

thank you very much!
sadly I need to wait till december.....

Just saw the movie. Ryan outstanding performance. You could read the script in his eyes, definitely Oscar material. Clooney great as a director, but did not carry the movie as his character was supposed to do, he played the villain in the background. Marisa irriated me a bit, don't know why, probably because her character was not so likeable but so was Jeffrey's and he did a great job.

pattygirl wrote:This is the third time I'm posting this because it just doesn't seem to be registering.
IOM is a great, suspenseful movie but I don't know if I'd class it really as a thriller.....

Fair enough. But it's being billed as a political thriller all over the media. ImdB classify it as drama.
Definition of this genre:

A political thriller is a thriller that is set against the backdrop of a political power struggle. They usually involve various extra-legal plots, designed to give political power to someone, while his opponents try to stop him. They can involve national or international political scenarios. Political corruption."

In any case it's about moral consciousness set in a political backdrop.

The directing was fluidly executed. Clooney at his best.

It's fast paced and the momentum builds up continuously until the turning point, whereupon Stephen Myers' (RG) conscience starts to increasingly preoccupy him.
Inner conflict and self-analysis dilemma are perfectly captured in his expressions. And in my opinion, Molly (ERW) was certainly tortured by her own.
And the governor?(GC)

The type of film you need to see a couple of times to fully grasp the concepts. And ponder on moral consciousness.
I'll see it again soon.
Great pool of talent. Supporting cast were all brilliant.
Apparently it's showing in almost half the theaters as the other new release (which doesn't have an R rating like IOM), but seems to be doing quite well.

very good!!!

Saw it today, loved the story, characters, actors, RG stole the movie but then he was lucky to play Steven. Agree with everyone who thinks it is one of those films that the more you watch the more you learn. Wish it would of been a little faster paced, for me it was a bit slow.

Thank you Lucy, I have to go and see it ASAP

A link to the Style page of today's The Washington Post. It's a review of the movie by Joe Trippi whose characted is played by Philip Seymor Hoffman in the movie (Grant Heslov asked him to be a consultant).


[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Thanks, Socimar!

I saw IOM yesterday and thought the film was fantastic! The acting made the movie. I have read several of the critical reviews of the film and most of them anger me. They seem very picky and I wonder if certain critics have an ax to grind. So few films are made today for a mature audience(I don't mean old in age) that likes to discuss and debate the message. I didn't like Leatherheads, and thought GNGL was excellent. I wondered how this would compare and it is absolutely in the plus column.

Prior to the film there was a trailer for TD. It looks like it is one of the best acted roles he has done. He physically has shed he sexy man image and in the clips looks very dad like.

fantastic!!!!

it also seems to have legs....

So when in Belgium ?

Sorry Atalante, it doesn't list Belgium.

Country Date
Italy 31 August 2011
(Venice Film Festival) (premiere)

Canada 9 September 2011
(Toronto International Film Festival)

Greece 23 September 2011
(Athens Film Festival)

Brazil 6 October 2011
(Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival)

Canada 7 October 2011

USA 7 October 2011

Greece 13 October 2011

Netherlands 20 October 2011

France 26 October 2011

Ireland 28 October 2011

UK 28 October 2011

Singapore 3 November 2011

Sweden 4 November 2011

Portugal 10 November 2011

Finland 11 November 2011

Germany 22 December 2011

Italy 28 December 2011

Hungary 5 January 2012

Russia 14 February 2012

Italy 28 December 2011

I thougt I´m the only one who has to wait ages ...

I probably can´t vote before January

Shortly before christmas and new year is not a good timing to release a film

Finally saw it ! really enjoyed it, a very good movie. I'll probably see it a second time, and judge then if I'll buy the DVD and if it reaches my movie collection.
I was really surprised how short and fast it was. Makes the end even more quick and "brutal" - loved how it ended so openly, and the time length of the movie made it even more effective IMO. I kind of like all the characters and would have enjoyed seeing more of them, but I get the point it's time-framed around a short election day.
I read the good but not great reviews so my expectations were not that big. I kind of agree with them, it could be better probably (can always be) but I feel that it's a movie that could grow old very well (like you could enjoy it even more in a few years... since it's short and fast maybe not everything registers with you at first, but you could mature into it)
by the way that's only the second movie (after drive) I see with Ryan Gosling, and I really see why they talk about that guy so much, I'm liking him a lot by now

It is the type of movie that has a timeless quality about it. This type of thing has been happening for eons and will continue to happen as long as politics exist. Even the "inevitability" of the Man and the Intern has been around for a very long time, and covers all segments of the population, not just in the US, but wherever political manipulation exists (and where doesn't it).

I want to see it again, but may wait to buy DVD for my collection, I always enjoy watching films in my living room over theater.

You're right, I think watching DVDs at home are more comfortable than going to the theater. Plus, you can watch it as many times as you want. LOL

cindigirl wrote:You're right, I think watching DVDs at home are more comfortable than going to the theater. Plus, you can watch it as many times as you want. LOL

right

who with?

I saw the film this last weekend, not Oscar worthy I'm afraid but a valiant effort. Overall a "B".

I thought Ryan was very good, having never seen him before, he carried the film well. The Molly character could have been better used, given a more interesting line to follow with additional twists, but maybe next time eh George?? I did like the references to Kentucky and how some people in the film would end up in Farragut North after the election! Nice touch!! George looked mighty fine, acting good, but not overboard, good as an electee (skuldugery, slimey.....). I did like some of the directoral shots which were arty and well placed, I noticed George directed, Grant produced, they didn't swop/share. Also I liked the musical score, it was done by the London Philarmonic @ Abbey road, so was George there during his stay here?? Also Waldo was described as "hairdresser" in general. Demotion?? Maybe promotion since he had the whole cast!! And Angel still assists Mr C! Overall a nice way to spend a Saturday afternoon, but won't be in a hurry to buy the DVD, I shall wait for my Christmas list. I think the Decendants will be a better film, more fitting to George's style n genre!

Thanks Fluffy! I still haven't seen it yet, but I'm cheating and coming to this thread and reading what others think. I don't do theaters well, so I may just wait for my DVD.

every one on twitter saw the film say good things most of them girls but there is guys too.

I'm happy for him!

it is a great year for him!!

I think my favourite scene was Ryan and George going toe-to-toe in the restaurant kitchen, neither one of them giving an inch in their argument. Don't think that scene is in any of the trailers that have been released to date, but to me, that was one of the best points in the whole film. I think all the actors did an amazing job, but Ryan was outstanding. And like Fluffy, I think the Molly character was under-used. Evan's a great actress and it would have been nice to see her storyline explored further. It was a solid directing effort from George. I think he's really getting stronger/better as a director with each film he does - can only imagine what he'll be like in another 10 years!

Duffy, that kitchen scene was used with the word "you fixed things" which George said in the trailers I've seen. Oops! I'm getting nerdy!!

Oh, I forgot about this one. In the poll above I just voted very good.
George is a good filmmaker. I liked IOM. His acting performace was also very good, I hated his character so much. Too bad it didn't get a nomination for best picture.

i still ponder on the final scene. Can't decide whether he spills the beans to the TV interviewer or keeps stumm.

Ha, maybe it's setting up for a 'sequel?'

cindigirl wrote:Ha, maybe it's setting up for a 'sequel?'

I thought the same thing...

"Mr. Morris Goes To Washington"?

Just watched my Blu-ray copy of IOM and thought it was brilliant.
Script excellent, lighting excellent and all the actors very convincing in their roles. Ryan was riveting to watch as his character evolved.
George was professional as ever, both in acting and directing.
I found his performance more absorbing in The Descendants,
but of course he had more to do in that film compared to this one.
I'll certainly watch it again, with his & Grant's commentary
on next time.
Again, as with most of George's films that I watch, I learned a lot.
He never does a bad film.....not even a mediocre one IMO !

Did anyone else notice the weird thing with the glove on Ryan's shoulder in chapter 13 ??? I'm really curious about that.

Katiedot wrote:i still ponder on the final scene. Can't decide whether he spills the beans to the TV interviewer or keeps stumm.

I don't think he would....it was a good ace up his sleeve
for his career.

I'm going to shamelessly name drop here and mention again *cough* that George told me he had a blast making this film.

Anyway, it's been a few months since I've seen the film, but it's definitely worth a re-watch on my part. What it really boils down to is *stay away from those damn interns*.

Seriously though, the main focus of the story was Ryan's Gosling's character - the ambitious, smart, idealist out to change the world; and the crushing realization of just how seedy, sleezy and sordid politics has become - as he discovers his falling idol (Gov. Ryan) is not the moral man neither he or we imagined. I thought the film did a superb job of painting the current political landscape; and is incredibly relevant. Kudos to Grant and George for capturing a glimpse of the behind the scenes election process; and for reminding us that this process comes at a heavy cost to those who play. The story was tight, absorbing and ultimately depressing. Getting someone elected president in this country has become a brutal sport - won by more money than any of us can possibly fathom, and played by people whose conscious blows back and forth between the latest poll numbers. Ultimately, Ryan Gosling's idealist was forced to play dirty pool. And play it well he did.

I think IOM is yet another gem in George's expanding jewel box of excellent films. He's become one of Hollywood's most interesting and important filmmakers. Now, if only more people would go see them...

I agree with you Astras. It seems unless something gets blown or eaten by goolies the box office is quiet. I guess I'm not a main stream movie goer. I like films that make you think and try to say something. Keep em coming G, there are still some of us out there.

I don't go to the movies much, prefer to wait and watch from home. This past year I went 5 times for IOM, TD, and TTSS,Drive, MI. He does make good films, next Tuesday I'll be buying one more for my collection, and I can't wait to see it for the second time.

Please look out for "the glove on Ryan's shoulder"
in chapter 13. It was a very strange happening.

Joanna, I watched IOM a few days ago in DVD and when you say "chapter 13" do you mean on the scene selections? I'll have to watch it again tonight to see what you mean by the glove on Ryan's shoulder.

Yes that's right cindi, around 2 or 3 minutes into that chapter 13.....
It happens when Ryan is asking for a job with the other man....
CRS time, already....LOL
Ryan's facing camera and a black glove appears on his left shoulder and falls off, right shoulder to us, and as he's talking he just looks at it and carries on.
Maybe it's an out take that's been wrongly edited in ????

I'll watch it again tonight on scene selection.

George wrongly editing? No! GAH He's really a pefectionist. Although listening to the commntary it seems he forgot a lot of the scene locations, Grant had to correct him. LOL

Maybe I have the only copy with "The Glove" and it's worth £100000000000000's ????

This is interesting...sorry it it's posted elsewhere already.

Isn't he just the cutest little bug??!! Thanks Joanna for posting this!

I've also moved this into the 'old' films section.