The Ides of March Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A young, idealistic campaign worker learns that politics is just like high school, but with more expensive suits and higher stakes.

🍿 The Ides of March: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Ohio Primary and Endorsement Battle

Stephen Meyers, a young and idealistic press secretary for Governor Mike Morris’s presidential campaign, finds himself deeply involved in the Ohio primary. Morris is competing against Senator Pullman for the Democratic nomination. The key to winning the primary lies in securing the endorsement of Senator Thompson, who demands a cabinet position in return.

Betrayal and Scandal

Stephen is approached by Tom Duffy, the campaign manager for Senator Pullman, with a job offer. He declines, but the meeting is leaked to a journalist, Ida Horowicz, jeopardizing his position. Simultaneously, Stephen begins an affair with Molly Stearns, a young intern who reveals she had a one-time affair with Governor Morris and is now pregnant.

Descent into Cynicism

Faced with betrayal and scandal, Stephen’s idealism crumbles. He arranges for Molly to have an abortion and uses campaign petty cash to help her. When Molly commits suicide, Stephen steals her phone and discovers a voicemail pleading with him not to reveal her affair with Morris. He uses this information to blackmail Morris, securing his own promotion to campaign manager.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling): An idealistic and talented press secretary whose faith in politics is shattered by betrayal and corruption.
• Governor Mike Morris (George Clooney): A Democratic presidential candidate whose public image of integrity hides a compromising secret.
• Paul Zara (Philip Seymour Hoffman): The seasoned campaign manager who prioritizes loyalty and pragmatism above all else.
• Tom Duffy (Paul Giamatti): The cynical and ruthless campaign manager for the opposing candidate, willing to exploit any vulnerability.
• Molly Stearns (Evan Rachel Wood): A young campaign intern whose affair with Governor Morris triggers a series of devastating events.
• Ida Horowicz (Marisa Tomei): An ambitious journalist who seeks the truth, even if it means exposing political scandals.
• Senator Thompson (Jeffrey Wright): A North Carolina senator who seeks personal gain in exchange for his endorsement.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Stephen Meyers: “I am not a Christian. I am not an Atheist. I am not a Muslim. I am not Jewish. I am a Constitutionist.” – Stephen states his belief during the opening, showcasing his idealism and faith in the American political system.
• Tom Duffy: “Welcome to politics.” – Duffy says this to Stephen after revealing his manipulations, marking Stephen’s loss of innocence and entry into cynical politics.
• Stephen Meyers: “You can start a war, you can lie, you can cheat, you can bankrupt the country, but you can’t fuck the interns.” – Stephen confronts Morris, using this statement to highlight the hypocrisy and the unforgivable nature of his actions.
• Paul Zara: “Loyalty is the one thing you can’t buy. You either have it or you don’t.” – Paul emphasizes the importance of loyalty in politics and why he feels betrayed by Stephen’s actions.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12.5M
• Domestic Gross: $40.9M
• Worldwide Gross: $76.3M

💥 The Ides of March Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed watching how quickly Ryan Gosling’s character unravels. The film does a great job of showcasing the loss of innocence and the compromises one makes in the pursuit of ambition. The scene where he confronts Clooney is intense, and you can feel the weight of his decisions. It made me question my own values.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of political dramas and thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in behind-the-scenes looks at political campaigns”
  • “Those who appreciate strong acting performances from a talented ensemble cast”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes including infidelity and suicide”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Brief scenes of a sexual nature”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Though boasting a stellar cast and competent direction, The Ides of March ultimately feels like a rather ordinary and cynical take on familiar political themes.
• Roger Ebert.com: “Clooney knows how to make a political thriller that’s gripping without relying on explosions or car chases. He creates tension with dialogue and nuanced performances, making it a film that stays with you.
• The New York Times: “The Ides of March is a smart, well-acted thriller that explores the compromises and betrayals inherent in the pursuit of power. Clooney directs with a steady hand, and the cast delivers strong performances.

Audience Reactions

The acting performances, particularly from the leads, were captivating.: Viewers praised the strong cast and their performances.

The film’s exploration of political corruption resonated with many.: The film’s cynical portrayal of politics was appreciated by many.

Overall Consensus: The Ides of March is a well-acted political thriller that explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and corruption. While some found it predictable, the performances and direction were generally praised.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on Beau Willimon’s play ‘Farragut North’, which in turn was inspired by Howard Dean’s 2004 presidential campaign.”
• “George Clooney initially intended to play Paul Zara, but later decided to direct and play the smaller role of Governor Mike Morris.”
• “The film was shot primarily in Cincinnati, Ohio, to capture the atmosphere of a key primary state.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Ides of March?

The Ides of March is available for streaming or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check local listings for cable availability. You can rent or buy the movie to watch instantly or add it to your digital collection.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Ides of March, you might like these similar films:

• All the President’s Men (1976): Both films explore the theme of uncovering corruption and the behind-the-scenes dealings in political systems.
• Primary Colors (1998): Deals with presidential campaigns and the personal flaws of charismatic politicians.
• Michael Clayton (2007): Features a protagonist who faces a moral crisis while working within a corrupt system, similar to Stephen’s journey.
• The Candidate (1972): Explores the compromises and disillusionment that come with running for political office, reflecting similar themes.

🛒 The Ides of March Related Products

• Farragut North: The Play Behind The Ides of March: The original stage play by Beau Willimon is a political thriller. A must read for fans of the movie.
• The West Wing: The Complete Series Collection: If you want the fantasy version of American Politics.
• George Clooney Movie Collection [DVD]: Features various films starring and directed by George Clooney.
• House of Cards: This TV series showcases dirty and backhanded politics.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Ides of March features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “We’ll Meet Again” – performed by Robert Mervak

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Ides of March Movie Review

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