A young, idealistic Presidential-campaign staffer (Ryan Gosling, above left) gets a rude education in corruption when a scandal forces him to choose between loyalty to his mentoring candidate (George Clooney, above right) and the drive of his own ambition. As writer (with Grant Heslov and Beau Willimon) and director, Clooney brings to this political thriller the same savvy of the world of powerful people that guided him to create the dense drama Good Night, and Good Luck. With a great supporting cast that includes Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Marisa Tomei, and Evan Rachel Wood, The Ides of March delivers the dirt and deception beneath the supposed desire to serve through election to high office.
Video: 2.40:1. Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. Extras: commentary by George Clooney and Grant Heslov; “What Does a Political Consultant Do?” and three more featurettes; UltraViolet Digital Copy for streaming/downloading. Studio: Sony.
