Cast
View AllRyan 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
Jennifer Ehle
as Cindy Morris
Gregory Itzin
as Jack Stearns
Michael Mantell
as Senator Ted Pullman
Yuriy Sardarov
as Mike
Bella Ivory
as Jenny
Maya Sayre
as Sue
Danny Mooney
as Campaign Editor
Crew
Director
- George Clooney
Producer
- Grant Heslov
- George Clooney
- Brian Oliver
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Ides of March examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director George Clooney brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2011, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Ides of March took approximately 4 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $12.5 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 101 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 133 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 461 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2011, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Ides of March shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Clear and Present Danger, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Ides of March subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Thank You for Smoking and Murder at 1600 explore similar territory, The Ides of March stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 7, 2011
- Runtime: 1h 41m
- Budget: $12,500,000
- Revenue: $76,338,111
Where to Watch



