The Ides of March - London Film Festival Review

I was very fortunate to be invited along to the premiere of the film at the LFF. I have taken ages to coming around and writing this review, so I reckon I'll be giving a rather brief (perhaps vague?) review of it, as its not as immediate in my mind as I would like. Let's see what Memory dredges up!

This film is a well put together, well acted piece and is commendable on many accounts. Mr. Clooney himself, when introducing the film, said it was nice to have a film like this that wasn't all explosions and insane action sequences. And George is right of course - for all of you that follow this blog regularly (you don't need to scoff!), you will know how I champion a well contained narrative and impressive acting/casting.

Don't I look sinister? But I'm a Democrat, thumbs up!

I love American politics - all the intrigue and the back-hand deals and the veneer of imperious dignity, reminiscent of Ancient Rome which the USAns love to emulate (and hence the title). The film goes through these layers and peels them back one by one - starting with idealistic but robust faith and belief displayed through Ryan Gosling character's trust and enthusiasm for the candidate he campaigns for, Governor Morris. Gosling is really quite impressive and sustains our journey through his story as he descends into the messy business of presidential campaigning, with revenge, affairs yada yada all there. Only this doesn't go crazy and though melodrama could be used as a term for the film, there is a more subdued tone - the tension is palatable in scenes but the dramatic moments are 'off stage' which presents a sort of interesting Greek tragedy feel, such as when Stephen listens to Molly's (Evan Rachel Wood) voice messages, the intern he has a fling with.

The writing is solid - nothing to find fault, for there is great balance of quick banter, measured words and comedy. In terms of pace, it's constantly engaging with just enough intrigue and you are allowed room to admire the content because it's also in the capable hands of Philip Seymour Hoffman and Paul Giamatti - and Mr. Clooney himself, who has less screen time than you might think but makes it count. The confrontational scene between Morris and Stephen (Gosling) is in a closed kitchen of some pub/restaurant and full of shadows. It's wonderfully symbolic as we understand how dark the world has become for Stephen.

There's great observations about loyalty, the price of one's mistakes, who really pulls the strings and how one political party can be so pitted against one another within their own ranks - all very Roman. The end shot is brilliantly done and sums up the film and Clooney's directing (lots of lingering shots). I'm not going to say what it is - go watch it and find out.

Solid is a word I would use, so while I was more than satisfied with the film, I'm not sure it's a breakthrough one and stands simply as a good example of good film making.

VERDICT: 8.4/10

Review on 'Raajneeti'

Most people know I don't have a lot of love for Bollywood of late. There are a rare few gems that the industry churns out (usually the ones with Aamir Khan starring) but otherwise it's mired in insane storytelling, over the top aesthetics and 'acting' and more focus on vulgar portrayals of 'beauty' than paying service to the beauty of story and/or character - or lack there-of.

It was with low expectations therefore that I went to watch 'Raajneeti', a film starring the hot and popular stars, Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor. I had been told that it was loosely based on the Indian epic, the 'Mahabharata'. I think I would fared better had I not been told that because I was constantly trying to align this story with that of the Mahabharata. 

There are several shortcomings in this film. Firstly, there are no politics (raajneeti) in this story - it is basically a family feud film, which began resembling the Godfather half way through (i.e. the relunctant son who stays outside the dodgy spheres of his forefathers is roped in, in the name of family honour and ho hum, vengeance). I found it rather unsettling that each speech the wanna-be leaders dictated to their people was about their rival party and how they were going to get back at them or prove them wrong, etc etc. No one gave a damn about their electorate. Of course, this is an exaggeration somewhat but the fact that these parties encourage their followers to engage in their personal disputes induces a state of despair.

Secondly, the film is too long; it dragged and dragged with the outcome being both flat and powerless. I think this is in part due to Ranbir Kapoor's character of Samar - he was so void, he had one expression. I didn't know whether I was supposed to warm up to this man or feel pity for him or what...and you all know how I feel about stuff that doesn't make me feel anything :)

The acting was strong from veterans like Nana Patekar (saving grace of the entire film), Manoj Bajpai and Ajay Devgan. All the others floundered or were just plain useless.

And what about that random 30 sec 'club' scene that was injected in there - is that a mandatory requirement now, to have some slutty scene with flashing lights, just because you can? Clearly doesn't matter whether it serves the narrative. 

The continual violence and blatant disregard for life and the lack of subtlety in political manoeuvrings left the film with no suspense - one was just waiting around for the next person to be shot or blown up. If the ending was supposed to inspire hope, I didn't buy it, I simply felt sorry for the next person who would be forced to get mired in dodgy decisions, corruptions and assassinations.

Verdict: 4.5/10