The Ides of March - A glimpse behind politicians' smiles  

Politicians are getting a hard time these days. Good. They deserve it. And if you watch 'The Ides of March,' you'll only agree yet further.

Some stories have distinctive plots, others have great character arcs. 'The Ides of March' doesn't really do much of this. It simply is what it is. And what it is is an insight into what goes on behind the slogans, the smiles and the carefully choreographed rallies we're getting so used to seeing in times of elections. Of course this film is based on the American system of government, but do we really think our politicians are any the less noble? We wish.

It's kind of like 'The Thick of It' and its filmic cousin 'In the Loop,' only without the humour and constant shouting of Malcolm Tucker.

'The Ides of March' is slimy, despicable, depressing and, worst of all, probably completely true.  Gorge Clooney directs (and stars) what is actually quite an ensemble cast including Ryan Gosling, Paul Giamatti, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Rachel Evan Wood.  The film isn't that long, so you could probably argue that not all of these great actors are allowed full time in front of the camera to develop and grow.  However, all give off excellent performances as their slimy on-screen personas.

If you have finally accepted that we're ruled by a bunch of lying, cheating, back-stabbing, two-faced men and women with nicer teeth than us, then you'll probably appreciate what 'The Ides of March' is trying to say.

It leaves me with a strong urge to buy a Guy Fawks mask and some Catherine Wheels and head over to Westminster with a naked flame.

(MI5, if you're reading that last paragraph - it was a joke)

8/10 The Force is definitely strong with this one