AWAY from the glitz of the red carpet, George Clooney has pricked consciences by talking about the Darfur conflict and Haiti earthquake while behind the camera, his films have bared teeth at the political establishment.

Here the Oscar-winning filmmaker takes more pot-shots at Capitol Hill in an expertly paced thriller which begs the question: if politics is such a dirty business, why do the men in expensive suits come out smelling of roses and we’re left feeling grubby?

Clooney gradually cranks up the tension as he depicts the Machiavellian plots of the men desperate to breach the upper echelons of power, who will sacrifice idealism and honour at the twin altars of ambition and greed.

Based on the stage play Farragut North by Beau Willimon, who co-wrote the screenplay with Clooney and Grant Heslov, the film hits the campaign trail with high-flying Democrat presidential candidate Governor Mike Morris (Clooney), who has a knack for spouting the perfect sound bite with a winning smile.

Flanked by ballsy campaign manager Paul (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and brilliant press secretary Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling), he seems destined for the White House.

But an ill-advised dalliance with an intern leaves his reputation hanging by a thread as New York Times journalist Ida (Marisa Tomei) and the other media vultures circle.

The film is a hugely engrossing thriller that doesn’t get too bogged down in the political process, concentrating more on the abrasive personalities responsible for getting a well-groomed mouthpiece where he wants to be.

THRILLER

THE IDES OF MARCH

(1hr 40 mins)

Certificate: 15

Starring: Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti.

Director: George Clooney

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