Critics Consensus

While not exactly exposing revelatory truths, The Ides of March is supremely well-acted drama that moves at a measured, confident clip.

Synopsis

Dirty tricks stand to soil an ambitious young press spokesman's (Ryan Gosling) idealism in a cutthroat presidential campaign where "victory" is relative. The film, directed by George Clooney, is inspired by the real-life experiences of an aide who worked on Howard Dean's failed 2004 run.