---
title: "The Ides of March"
year: 2011
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/the-ides-of-march"
fi1m_id: "the-ides-of-march"
imdb_id: "tt1124035"
tmdb_id: 10316
wikidata_id: "Q543581"
fi1m_score: 71
critics_score: 65
critics_reviews: 23
published: "2026-10-01T21:49:04.148027+00:00"
updated: "2026-10-01T21:49:04.817502+00:00"
region: "SG"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# The Ides of March (2011)

Directed by George Clooney · 1h 41m · Drama

## Identity

The Ides of March

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/the-ides-of-march
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** the-ides-of-march
- **IMDb ID:** tt1124035
- **TMDB ID:** 10316
- **Wikidata ID:** Q543581
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1124035/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/10316, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q543581

**Fi1m score: 71** · Critics 65 from 23 reviews

*In a sentence:* Ryan Gosling’s faith in politics looks especially precarious whenever Philip Seymour Hoffman or Paul Giamatti opens his mouth

> George Clooney’s political thriller is worth seeing for Ryan Gosling, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Paul Giamatti, who make professional calculation absorbing. Its account of corrupted idealism is familiar, and the plotting sometimes forces changes the performances cannot quite justify.

## Synopsis

In a modern American political campaign, press secretary Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling) works for Mike Morris (George Clooney), an idealistic Democratic candidate. Stephen wants Morris to win and believes the man deserves to. Around him, Paul Zara (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and Tom Duffy (Paul Giamatti) offer a more practised understanding of political manoeuvring. Conversations become tests of judgement: who can be trusted, what should be said and what another person stands to gain. Stephen has to handle these professionals while trying to keep his confidence in the candidate he represents.

## Review

*The Ides of March* is a well-acted political thriller with a rather ordinary view of corruption. George Clooney directs it with enough patience to make professional calculation interesting, even when the plot follows a familiar route. The pleasure is in watching people work out what they can say, what they should withhold and how much of themselves to put into a campaign. We recommend it for those exchanges, with no great expectation of learning anything new about power.

Ryan Gosling gives press secretary Stephen Meyers an earnestness that makes his confidence both appealing and faintly worrying. Working for Mike Morris, George Clooney’s idealistic Democratic candidate, Stephen has invested his judgement in someone he wants to believe deserves it. Ryan Gosling makes that attachment credible enough to hold our attention, although the character’s political innocence is harder to accept. A professional this assured ought to be less surprised by the business he has chosen.

Philip Seymour Hoffman, as Paul Zara, and Paul Giamatti, as Tom Duffy, supply the experience Stephen lacks. Both are particularly good at making political manoeuvring sound like an ordinary professional skill, and the dialogue gives them room to be persuasive. We were gripped by their verbal sparring with Ryan Gosling: the advice sounds plausible enough to make trust feel risky. The tension comes from wondering what each speaker expects to gain, even when the conversation sounds reasonable.

Phedon Papamichael’s close-ups suit this kind of acting, allowing a face to hold our attention without demanding a speech to explain it. George Clooney gives the dialogue-free stretches time to register, and those pauses help us consider the people doing the talking. Stephen Mirrione’s editing keeps the exchanges taut without making every pause feel expendable. This controlled pace serves the material well, especially when the writing trusts the actors to carry a scene.

Sharon Seymour’s production design is effective because it does not demand to be admired separately from the drama. The campaign remains a place of work, and the emphasis stays on the people doing it. Alexandre Desplat’s music helps sustain the unease, though the film’s solemnity occasionally makes an ordinary piece of intrigue seem more consequential than it is. The quieter passages are more convincing, giving us time to judge a calculation without insisting on its importance.

The screenplay by Beau Willimon, George Clooney and Grant Heslov is less convincing when it asks us to accept sudden changes in behaviour. There is a strain of melodrama here that sits awkwardly beside the patient attention to professional bargaining. Stephen’s vanity and idealism need more examination if the story’s harsher pressures are to feel earned; instead, some developments do that work for him. Even these actors cannot make all of those decisions convincing.

As a political thriller, it has the useful habit of making talk tense, but it treats familiar cynicism with rather more gravity than it needs. Its interest in the campaign’s insiders also leaves little sense of the voters whose lives are supposed to matter to them. That limits how much weight the film can reasonably place on its disappointment in politics. Choose it when a tense conversation sounds more appealing than a chase.

*Fi1m score 71, published 1 October 2026.*

## What the critics say

The reviews lean towards qualified approval, with praise clustering around the cast rather than the political insights. Ryan Gosling draws particular attention, while Philip Seymour Hoffman and Paul Giamatti earn repeated praise for making campaign manoeuvring convincing and entertaining. Critics also credit George Clooney’s controlled direction, tense pacing and attention to small exchanges of professional power. Even several mixed reviews find the film intelligent and watchable.

The main division concerns how much its account of political corruption has to offer. Little White Lies finds unsettling moral accuracy and an intelligent script; Variety regards the cynicism as familiar and the tone as heavy-handed. Across the reservations, predictable plotting, implausible turns and doubts about the protagonist’s naïveté recur. The spread is broad: admirers see a gripping morality thriller, while detractors find its seriousness disproportionate to its insights. Some favourable reviews also question how much of it stays with us afterwards.

## Straight answers

**Is The Ides of March worth watching?**

*The Ides of March* is worth watching for its tense political conversations and strong performances, and we score it 71 out of 100. Ryan Gosling, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Paul Giamatti make professional calculation absorbing, though the familiar account of corruption and some forced changes in behaviour limit its weight.

**How long is The Ides of March, and what is it rated?**

*The Ides of March* runs 1h 41m. It is a drama film.

**Where can I watch The Ides of March in Singapore?**

*The Ides of March* is not on any streaming or rental service in Singapore at the moment. It is available in 25 other countries; change your country at the top of the page to see where. Availability is checked daily.

**How violent or frightening is The Ides of March, and is it suitable for children?**

*The Ides of March* carries a UK 15 certificate, making it unsuitable for children under 15. The tension we describe comes from mistrust, political bargaining and verbal sparring, rather than specific violent or frightening scenes. The certificate signals adult material, but we cannot give a more detailed violence or scare warning from those exchanges alone.

**How does The Ides of March compare to State of Play?**

*The Ides of March* offers concentrated campaign intrigue, while [*State of Play*](https://film.one/tv/state-of-play) gives its newsroom conspiracy six parts to develop. We recommend *State of Play* more readily for patient reporting and a complicated story, though its density can distance us from the characters. Choose *The Ides of March* for a shorter, actor-led drama, accepting its more familiar political cynicism.

**What should I watch after The Ides of March?**

After *The Ides of March*, try [*State of Play*](https://film.one/tv/state-of-play) (2003, Fi1m 88): British political intrigue with patient reporting, divided loyalties and a strong ensemble. Then [*The Lives of Others*](https://film.one/film/the-lives-of-others) (2006, Fi1m 84): For tense observation and performances that make small moral decisions matter; and [*No*](https://film.one/film/no-country-for-old-men) (2012, Fi1m 91): Campaign strategy becomes absorbing drama about the uneasy usefulness of political advertising.

### Reviews we read (23)

- **IndieWire**, Eric Kohn (B+): Kohn finds the film a darkly entertaining, lean political allegory, though its plot runs on political-intrigue autopilot. He praises the cast’s performances and Clooney’s skillful use of close-ups and stretches without dialogue. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/news/general-news/toronto-review-the-ides-of-march-is-george-clooneys-monster-movie-52417/)
- **Little White Lies**, Jonathan Crocker (4/5): The critic finds it a superb, dark political drama with unsettling moral accuracy. He particularly praises the intelligent script and the performances, especially Ryan Gosling, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Paul Giamatti. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/the-ides-of-march)
- **Radio Times**, Stella Papamichael (4/5): Papamichael calls it a gripping thriller, with Ryan Gosling enthralling as the press secretary. She singles out his performance as the film’s standout strength. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-667vkc/the-ides-of-march/)
- **Total Film**, Neil Smith (4/5): Smith finds the film sleek, thoughtful, and likely to endure, despite some doubts about its protagonist’s naïveté. He praises its strong supporting performances and its smart nod to classic political thrillers. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/the-ides-of-march-review/)
- **Slant Magazine**, Jaime N. Christley (3/4): The critic finds the film’s confident, understated rhythm appealing, though its conventional melodrama does not always mesh with its subtler approach. They praise Clooney’s patient, nuanced direction and the film’s attention to small professional power dynamics. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/the-ides-of-march/)
- **Evening Standard** (70/100, inferred): The review finds the film a well-directed, splendidly acted political parable, though it never reaches great heights. It especially praises Philip Seymour Hoffman and Paul Giamatti, whose performances give the film a convincing feel for politics’ grubby business. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/the-ides-of-march-review-7427328.html)
- **The AV Club**, Noel Murray (B-): Murray finds the political drama slick and watchable but ultimately slight and full of old news. He praises its strong cast and third-act twist, while faulting its lack of fresh dramatic energy. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/the-ides-of-march-1798169872)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, THR Staff (65/100, inferred): The review finds the political thriller engaging but softened by predictable turns and a familiar shift into film noir. It singles out the superb ensemble cast and tense pacing for praise. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/ides-march-film-review-229806/)
- **RogerEbert.com** (64/100, inferred): The page displays a browser-check message, so the critic’s verdict cannot be verified. No praise or complaint is visible in the provided text. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-ides-of-march-2011)
- **Screen Daily**, Lee Marshall (64/100, inferred): The page identifies this as a review, but the paywall hides the critic’s verdict. No praise or complaint is visible in the supplied text. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/the-ides-of-march/5031377.article)
- **The New York Times** (64/100, inferred): The page could not be accessed, so its verdict cannot be established. No praise or complaint from the review is available to report. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/07/movies/the-ides-of-march-with-george-clooney-review.html)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Kenneth Turan (60/100, inferred): Turan finds the film intelligent and involving, but says its plot becomes overly familiar and unconvincing. He praises the sharp dialogue and the cast’s spirited performances, especially the verbal sparring between Ryan Gosling, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Paul Giamatti. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-xpm-2011-oct-07-la-et-ides-of-march-20111007-story.html)
- **Time Out**, Dave Calhoun (3/5): Calhoun gives the film a middling rating. The page highlights its look behind the scenes of a modern American political campaign, a territory familiar from Clooney’s work. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/the-ides-of-march)
- **Empire**, Angie Errigo (55/100, inferred): Errigo finds the film entertaining and intelligently made, but ultimately burdened by its own seriousness and less substantial than it appears. She praises the direction and ensemble cast while criticizing implausible plot turns and abrupt character reversals. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/ides-march-review/)
- **The Guardian**, Xan Brooks (55/100, inferred): Brooks finds the campaign thriller energetically idealistic at first, but somewhat too commercial for a Venice festival opening. He singles out its crusading zeal before noting that commercial quality as a drawback. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/series/first-look-review+the-ides-of-march)
- **The New Yorker** (35/100, inferred): The critic finds the film an unconvincing political thriller, likely to satisfy viewers who see politics as conspiratorial murk. They fault its implausible plotting and its focus on campaign insiders over the voters they court. [Read](https://www.newyorker.com/goings-on-about-town/movies/the-ides-of-march)
- **Variety**, Justin Chang (35/100, inferred): Chang finds the drama intriguing but overly portentous, with familiar political cynicism presented as revelation. He praises Clooney’s casting of himself as a Democratic-values spokesman, while faulting the film’s implausible subplot and heavy-handed tone. [Read](https://variety.com/2011/film/reviews/the-ides-of-march-1117945918/)
- **Vulture**, David Edelstein (30/100, inferred): Edelstein finds the film’s political cynicism tiresome and its trajectory predictable. He praises Clooney’s compelling portrayal of an idealistic Democratic candidate. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2011/10/movie_review_ides_of_march.html)
- **Collider**, Matt Goldberg (B+): Goldberg finds the political drama smart and well-crafted but ultimately lacking a lasting impact. He praises the performances, especially those of Gosling, Hoffman, and Giamatti. [Read](https://collider.com/the-ides-of-march-movie-review/)
- **Den of Geek**, Ron Hogan (4/5): Hogan finds the political drama well handled, tense, and elevated by its ensemble, though the ending feels frustratingly abrupt and ambiguous. He especially praises the script’s balance of idealism and the sleaze of campaign politics. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-ides-of-march-review/)
- **Digital Spy**, Stella Papamichael (4/5): The review finds the political morality thriller gripping, though its dilemmas are too extreme and Stephen’s vanity is underdeveloped. It praises Ryan Gosling for conveying heartbreak as Stephen’s beliefs unravel. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/bfi-london-film-festival/a343586/the-ides-of-march-review-london-film-festival-2011/)
- **Paste**, Jonathan W. Hickman (6.0): Hickman calls the film an entertaining but forgettable, middling thriller, recommending it mainly for the appeal of its lead actors. He praises the gifted cast, especially the scenes where Philip Seymour Hoffman and Paul Giamatti explain political maneuvering, while criticizing the contrived story. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/the-ides-of-march)
- **NME**, Owen Nicholls (65/100, inferred): The critic calls it a solid effort that falls short of Clooney’s earlier masterpiece, while suggesting it may have lasting value as an ethics study. They praise Clooney for keeping the focus on Gosling, but say the central plot turn lacks enough weight. [Read](https://www.nme.com/blogs/the-movies-blog/the-ides-of-march-film-review-761802)

## Details

- **Director:** George Clooney
- **Director:** George Clooney
- **Screenplay:** Beau Willimon, George Clooney, Grant Heslov
- **Cinematography:** Phedon Papamichael
- **Editor:** Stephen Mirrione
- **Music:** Alexandre Desplat
- **Production design:** Sharon Seymour
- **Costume design:** Louise Frogley
- **Producer:** Grant Heslov, George Clooney, Brian Oliver
- **Cast:** Ryan Gosling as Stephen Meyers; George Clooney as Mike Morris; Philip Seymour Hoffman as Paul Zara; Paul Giamatti as Tom Duffy; Evan Rachel Wood as Molly Stearns; Marisa Tomei as Ida Horowicz; Jeffrey Wright as Senator Thompson; Max Minghella as Ben Harpen
- **Runtime:** 1h 41m
- **Release (Singapore):** 3 November 2011
- **Genres:** Drama
- **Also in:** [Golden Globe Best Drama winners](https://film.one/collections/golden-globe-drama.md) (Nominee, 2011)
- **Budget:** $12 million
- **Box office:** $76 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uha0XfGBdMw

## Where to watch in Singapore

Not streaming, renting or buying in Singapore at the last check.

Also available in: AR, AT, AU, BE, BR, CA, CL, CO, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, IE, IN, IT, JP, MX, NO, NZ, PA, SE, UA, US. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## Awards

- Academy Awards 2012: Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay (nominated)
- BAFTA Film Awards 2012: Best Actor in a Supporting Role (nominated); Best Adapted Screenplay (nominated)
- Golden Globes 2011: Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama (nominated); Best Director (nominated); Best Motion Picture – Drama (nominated); Best Screenplay (nominated)

## If you liked this

- *The Candidate* (1972): Campaign idealism meets practical compromise, with more attention to selling the candidate.
- *State of Play* (2003), Fi1m 88: British political intrigue with patient reporting, divided loyalties and a strong ensemble. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/tv/state-of-play.md)
- *The Lives of Others* (2006), Fi1m 84: For tense observation and performances that make small moral decisions matter. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-lives-of-others.md)
- *No* (2012), Fi1m 91: Campaign strategy becomes absorbing drama about the uneasy usefulness of political advertising. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/no-country-for-old-men.md)
- *Z* (1969), Fi1m 84: A political thriller that gives official corruption consequences beyond the campaign office. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/z.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/the-ides-of-march