Venice, a city whose inhabitants were once actively encouraged to spy on and denounce each other, has long been associated with tales of political intrigue. So it seems fitting that The Ides of March, a tale of political dirty tricks directed by and starring George Clooney, has been chosen to open this year's Venice film festival.
The film is based on Beau Willimon's stage play Farragut North, which debuted at New York's Atlantic Theater Company in 2008 and was inspired by Willimon's experience as an aide during the unsuccessful 2004 presidential campaign of Democratic party politician Howard Dean.
Clooney, who adapted the screenplay with Grant Heslov, stars as Governor Mike Morris, a Democratic White House hopeful whose campaign comes to grief amid the political chicanery of a slick and corrupt Washington establishment. Ryan Gosling takes the role of Morris's press spokesman Stephen Myers, while Paul Giamatti plays a rival campaign manager.
The Ides of March marks Clooney's fourth outing as a film director. He made his debut with 2002's Confessions of a Dangerous Mind. He followed up with the critically acclaimed Good Night, and Good Luck (2005) – which received six Academy award nominations, including one for best director – and Leatherheads (2008).
The actor is no stranger to the Venice film festival, which he attended two years ago to promote his starring role in The Men Who Stare at Goats. It is doubtful Clooney has forgotten the experience, having been propositioned by a male fan wearing only a pair of underpants – emblazoned with the legend "George, pick me" - at a press conference.
The Ides of March is scheduled for release in the US on 7 October.
