Welcome to New Movie Hot Seat where once a month we review new films that’s opened in theaters this month. We will have a live debate discussing the pros and cons of one of the newly released films, then vote if it’s worth the money. The voting poll is now closed and the film selected for review is The Ides of March.
The live debate will begin Saturday: 11/05/2011 @ 3pE/8pUTC
Please join us!!
I voted for Ides of March, but I have listened to a summary of The Rum Diary and I must say I am a huge fan! tiki lounge style with some Dean Martin. I’m all over it!
Hi Everyone-
Welcome to New Movie Hot Seat. Please chime in if u have seen the film and let us know what u thought of it.
Sorry I kept landing on the wrong board.
Was the theater full or half full when u saw this film?
I saw it in the afternoon so it was partially full.
What was the age range of the audience?
Older. 45 and above with some seniors
What did u think of the plot?
What did u think of the cast?
The Plot:
I think it would be catagorized as a thriller despite being a political drama. It has something of a who done it ending.
The Cast:
Fantastic; two “A” listers Clooney and Gosling
The suupporting cast had two of the best in the business, Tomei, Wright, Giamatti and Seymour Hoffman.
And I don’t want to neglect Evan Rachel Wood, who seems to be well on her way.
Despite what I said, all of the supporting cast was great.
IMO! it was different than your typical thriller. I liked that about this film.It really dealt with the issues of experience, innocence and ethics in politics really well.
Do you think its because its a realistic thriller?
I really like political dramas so I’m a little biased. However, I thought the cast was really strong. I mean it was littered with some of my favorites. I was really impressed with Ryan Gosling. He was fantastic!! Very different performances from Drive and Ides. He’s really expanding his portfolio with some strong material.
Agreed.
What did u think of George Clooney as a director?
Did u like the pacing of the film?
Absolutely, never a dull moment.
Do any of u know the meaning of the title?
From Infoplease.com:
The literal reference….
The soothsayer’s warning to Julius Caesar, “Beware the Ides of March,” has forever imbued that date with a sense of foreboding. But in Roman times the expression “Ides of March” did not necessarily evoke a dark mood—it was simply the standard way of saying “March 15.” Surely such a fanciful expression must signify something more than merely another day of the year? Not so. Even in Shakespeare’s time, sixteen centuries later, audiences attending his play Julius Caesar wouldn’t have blinked twice upon hearing the date called the Ides.
The term Ides comes from the earliest Roman calendar, which is said to have been devised by Romulus, the mythical founder of Rome. Whether it was Romulus or not, the inventor of this calendar had a penchant for complexity. The Roman calendar organized its months around three days, each of which served as a reference point for counting the other days:
•Kalends (1st day of the month)
•Nones (the 7th day in March, May, July, and October; the 5th in the other months)
•Ides (the 15th day in March, May, July, and October; the 13th in the other months)
The remaining, unnamed days of the month were identified by counting backwards from the Kalends, Nones, or the Ides. For example, March 3 would be V Nones—5 days before the Nones (the Roman method of counting days was inclusive; in other words, the Nones would be counted as one of the 5 days).
Read more: Ides of March http://www.infoplease.com/spot/ides1.html#ixzz1crRYJJRj
I think March 15th was a significant date for the politcal primary, a significant plot date for the film. I beleive the scene occurred in the climax of the film.
Yep!
Great post CR!
Thanks.
I’m so sorry to be late! I haven’t had a chance to see it, but I still plan on it.
What is the premise of this political thriller?
I think it would be fair to call it Ryan’s character’s coming of age story. He goes to Washington with a major role in Clooney’s character’s election bid. Then he gets schooled in the ironies of the American election and political process.
Hi LB-
That’s o.k.
It’s a great, great, film. Clooney was impressive as a director. Gosling was great…
Let see? Not to give too much away. But it’s about two opposing democratic delegates trying to win the Democratic Presidential primaries. Clooney is running his campaign on ethics and social awareness (which is somewhat similar to Obama’s campaign).
In the United States, Iowa and New Hampshire have drawn attention every four years because they hold the first caucus and primary election, respectively, and often give a candidate the momentum to win the nomination.
OB, the producers would be proud
I try!! However, I think u got straight to the point. LOL!!
OB,
Why were you so impressed?
– I did not think you liked linear storytelling.
– You liked Clooney as a Director, are you saying his acting was bad.
– What did you think of Evan Rachel Wood’s character?
I think the plot was complex enough for it to be compelling and interesting. I like the question of ethics when choosing between self preservation and public service. What is the true character of a person if they are trying to save themselves. How far will someone go to protect their reputation?
I imagine when film’s are being pitched this is exactly (essential content),… what a potential sponsor or collaborator wants to hear to provoke their investment.
I like Evan Rachel Wood’s character. She was memorable enough. Not bad….
Would u recommend seeing this film? Would u see it again?
I would see it again. The turning point of the movie was really gripping.
Giamatti and Seymore were at their best. I can’t believe how supporting actors so frequently deliver a film.
Do you think this movie has oscar potential?
It’s hard to say because I have not seen some of the festival winners, yet. However, I think for supporting cast, direction and writing has a shot.
I might call that a margnal endorsement for “Ides of March.” I’m not sure political campaigns are won that way.
Possibly! Possibly!
I agree!
Well I would recommend this film. To see it for the cast and Clooney’s direction is well worth the time. It will have u thinking and talking way after the film ends. I like when filmmakers can do that…
I agree.
It’s a real accomplishement that Clooney could pull this off with his first directed film.
Everyone-
This is the end of our discussion. I hope u have a nice day!
Bye.