I would never have predicted I’d choose to see The Ides of March over The Thing. As a rabid fan of the John Carpenter version, it’s tantamount to heresy of the highest order. Yet I have no regrets. 

Ides takes the worst of politics — the corruption, compromises and backdoor deals — and slowing but surely unleashes them on Ryan Gosling’s optimistic campaign manager. I’m still tracing the numerous betrayals heaped upon him and analyzing the depths to which he sinks. It’s a brilliant work that examines all the great human frailties. It’s a big accomplishment for Gosling and Clooney as actors, and another high quality production from Clooney as a director. 

There will time enough later for alien shapeshifters. For now, I’m content to contemplate the muddied waters of the modern political landscape.