The Ides of March

[Celini]

First let me rant about Clapham PH!!!

Friends and I arrived at 10.30am, expecting to have a relaxing breakfast in the cafe after picking up our tickets... I went to order our drinks and suddenly a wave of parents+babies invaded the bar and started to jump the queue!!!
I stood 10 minutes at the bar being ignored by the guy who was too busy preparing free coffees for the above-mentioned parents (yeah, Sunday morning is the Big Scream at Clapham,you can bring your <1yo and you get a free coffee!!!), before giving up.
I sent my friends 10 minutes later and we finally had our coffees!

Then came the screening! I think we entered 5 minutes before 11am and managed to get 3 seats together at the front, but had to get the entire row moving.... come on ushers! those screening rooms are tiny and there is no alleyways on the back... surely you should have learned by now that it would be so much more comfortable for everybody if you were asking people no to leave empty seats between them!
Finally, the movie started 10 minutes late... as they were still letting late-comers in and then trying to re-shuffle people on their seats!!! Get a grip ushers!!!!

I am guessing some of us who were doing the double Ides of March/Tintin were not very happy with the late start! (sf?)

About the movie, well, no surprise there, I liked it very much; it confirms that I really dislike politics and I find those smartass politicians absolutely amazing!!!
Plus the entire cast was fantastic! Loved Marisa Tomei as Aida!
Brilliant direction as well, although I still prefer Good Night and Good Luck!

8.5/10 for me (friends liked it very much as well)

@Tilly: Clapham was running at full capacity, I saw Val (sorry just realised now that you called me!) +Friend, Soonforgotten in the room and Aruif on my way back home...
Was anybody else there?
(I was the one, sneezing/coughing and blowing her nose at the front )

[tilly]

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

[Celini]

definitely not my favourite Ryan Gosling's this year (Blue Valentine and Drive left me gob-smacked!)... but damn the guy is talented!!

[canadian_turtle]

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

[tilly]

More Ryan gosling and George clooney films please.

[Celini]

I think Clooney should rather focus on directing now; he's got so much more to do!!!
(and I did not quite like his last movies as an actor)

[canadian_turtle]

Please go wash your mouth with green soap

[funthing29]

My first experience of the Hampstead Everyman and it is a lovely cinema. Huge comfy armchairs (singles and doubles) with lots of leg room, a table and bin at every seat, and the option to order food and drink and have it brought to your seat. By 11am, there was not a single empty seat. We had 20 minutes of trailers so the film started at 11.20. Nice to chat to ejwrank and briefly saw Kaybeelon.

I really enjoyed this and it met my high expectations. Ryan Gosling, in addition to being gorgeous, has so much charisma. I couldn't take my eyes off him. Even though his name is put side by side with Clooney, he is the main star, is in almost every scene and the story is told through his character. I thought he carried the film very well. Superb performances also from George Clooney, Paul Giamatti (loved his final scene with Gosling), Philip Seymour Hoffman, Evan Rachel Wood and Marisa Tomei.

The script was excellent, the story was paced perfectly, and I liked that there wasn't much of a soundtrack (helped to highlight the tension). This was very well shot and directed, with a lot of scenes shot in darkness which I think added to the murky and suspicious motivations of the characters.

My only criticism (and a minor one) is that the film is dependent on understanding the American political system, which perhaps is a bit confusing for a UK audience. I also thought the so-called twists were quite predictable.

Political intrigue at its best with a solid cast and wonderful script. 9/10.

[funthing29]

Considering Gosling is such a great casting choice for Stephen, it is surprising that it was supposed to be played by Leonardo DiCaprio.

In addition, Brad Pitt was cast as Paul Zara but was replaced by Philip Seymour Hoffman.

[tilly]

Thank god they didn't chose those actors as I'm not sure it would have worked so well.