The Ides of March

[Celini]

good that they changed their minds/were not available!!!
Seymour Hoffman was amazing, I really can't see Brad in this role... or at least they would have to change Paul's character a little!

edit: I see we share similar opinions Tilly

[tilly]

@celini, do you have short blonde hair?

[Celini]

rather dark blonde if you consider it being blonde at all
(did you get to this conclusion from my point of view about Ides of March? )

[tilly]

Yes . Jeancomp wasn't 100% sure if that was you but thought it might have been.

[jeanelle]

I really enjoyed this film today and I too am developing a soft spot for Ryan Gosling. At my age!

I was at Clapham, delighted to meet tilly at last and say hi to several FMUKers.

So I loved the pace and the story and the acting and the plot and would certainly recommend this.

One of the reasons for the late start was an usher providing a latecomer a pile of about eight cushions to sit on, presumably in a space where there was a broken seat.

[valda]

I was at a very full screening at clapham and yes sadly it started late due to the latecomers. I got there far too early as thought started at 10.30am

I met jeancomp and aruif for the first time so lovely to meet you. Saw valda, soonforgotten and celini ( jeancomp pointed you out).

I loved this film but didn't think I would as im not really into political films. I was surprised with the negative ending as it gave it more credibility. It had something to say as no matter how good you are, you will end up being compromised in one form or another. I really fancy Ryan gosling now ( don't tell oh)

8.5/10

oh was there wasn't he? I can't beleive that the ushers didn't make the people move up and then the latecomers sit on the end! Our entire row had to get up and let the late comers wriggle through to the end of the row I have to say I'm sick of late comers who still find time to get coffee etc. if you are late just go in without coffee, you selfish idiots. People did get turned away and I think offered tickets for something else.

Anyway the film was worth the dreadful hour each way on the bus journey. Smart, sexy, exciting, just my cup of tea. I kept on thinking of West Wing, especially as Paul G looked like Toby. I'm now googling to see how cheap I can get WW boxset. 10/10

[valda]

Greenwich was entirely full (I think it's the first time I see a PH Greenwich screening full!) and quite FMUk-er heavy (Beate + OH, a_p, MrGlee, Cliveas, HD, pxc, etc)

We too had problems with it starting late but that is because we first got nearly 15 minutes of trailers before the movie started without a picture and upon restart the picture was stuck. When it eventually started it must've been 11.20 or so.

I absolutely loved the movie. I don't generally follow politics very closely (though I don't mind it either) but am always fascinated by the political mindgames these people play and I really enjoy seeing it playing on film or television. There were a few very predictable moments in the movie unfortunately (or perhaps I've seen too many films like this?), but the stellar cast and incredibly performances well made up for it. An intruiging and engaging film from start to finish. I loved how it was shot too, for instance the dark silhouettes of Ryan Gosling and Philip Seymour Hoffman in front of the American flag, and the various close-up side shots of Ryan; so beautiful! Also, Clooney and Gosling need to be in every movie ever.

9/10

Teh Director of Photography was excellent, so many great shots as C-T said, strangley enough he did The Descendents too. Clooney has a great eye as a Director as well

[ejwrank]

Really enjoyed this at Everyman in Hampstead. It was completely full and shame we had to endure 20 minutes of ads but the film was worth it.

I thought this was intelligent and clever -- thoroughly enjoyable. As all the stars have been mentioned, can I just say I was glad to see Jennifer Ehle (in far too small a role but at least she was there).

Great to have a chat with funthing and also to say a quick hello to kaybeelon.

[h2n]

Greenwich was entirely full (I think it's the first time I see a PH Greenwich screening full!)

Unfortunately, didn't get in as they ran out of seats.. although I thought that showfilmfirst allocates the exact amount of seats, so a bit confused
But I guess it didn't help that I got there at 11.03, from now on will get to screenings 15min before!

[kevinknapman]

Saw this at the Everyman Hampstead this morning. Was asked if I wanted to see the menu when I walked into the screen. I'm not sure I approve of this kind of behaviour in cinemas. I didn't particularly like the idea of seating that is entirely made up of armchairs and sofas either. I guess I'm probably too traditional when it comes to cinema going and what I feel it should or should not be.
Also an annoyingly late start due to adverts and trailers (Miranda July's The Future looks way on the wrong side of quirky).

As for the film, I really liked it a lot. Though it's subject is hardly groundbreaking (politics is corrupt. Who knew?), it was compelling stuff. The fact that it was Democrats against Democrats made a nice change from Democrats vs Republicans as well. This also made the idea of ruthless political back-stabbing within the same party rather disturbing, though not surprising (well it's not called The Ides of March for nothing). Well-scripted and incredibly well directed by Mr Clooney himself, it was also shot beautifully as others have mentioned.
The cast was great. Admittedly this meant some actors didn't get as much screen time as you'd hope, but they all shined with the little they did get. So as well as a great lead performance from Gosling and a subtle, almost understated one from Clooney, there was also excellent support from Giamatti, Tomei, Seymour Hoffman and Evan Rachel Wood. Anthony Minghella's son Max also as impressive as he was in The Social Network.
So overall, a classy and extremely well-made film.
I'm curious to see the original play now 'Farragut North' which was loosely based on John Edwards 2004 Democratic primary campaign.