The Ides of March

George Clooney plays US presidential candidate Mike Morris who has the ace up his sleeve of a brilliant young press officer in the shape of Ryan Gosling's Stephen Meyers. The Ides of March charts the downfall of both Stephen and an intern who fall for the image of Morris as the perfect candidate - an image they helped create.

Terrific performances abound from the stellar cast, but it's Gosling who is once again, the standout. Clooney's direction ensures that there is plenty of suspense and intrigue while the dialogue crackles with great lines. This is a film glistening with quality and one of the best of the year.

*****