The Best Films of 2013 (so far)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/filmblog/2013/jun/21/best-films-2013-year-so-far

July Film Society Meeting

July Film Discussion

Watch and Discuss 

The Ides of March
Thanks to everyone that came this month for Lincoln!  In July, we will discuss George Clooney's The Ides of March on Monday. This fast-paced political thriller should be an interesting companion piece to our discussion of Lincoln. George Clooney wrote and directed this film and received an Academy Award nomination for the screenplay. The film boasts a star-studded cast including Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Evan Rachel Wood, and  Marisa Tomei.

Ambition seduces and power corrupts in this nerve-wracking thriller from Academy Award nominated director George Clooney. Idealistic campaign worker Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling) has sworn to give all for Governor Mike Morris (George Clooney), a wild-card presidential candidate whose groundbreaking ideas could change the political landscape. However, a brutal Ohio primary threatens to test Morris's integrity. Stephen gets trapped in the down-and-dirty battle and finds himself caught up in a scandal where the only path to survival is to play both sides.

The Ides of March is rated R for strong language.
17+ unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Watch & Discuss

This month, the Film Society will engage in discussions about the themes of this movie.  The enjoyment of the films we watch can be enhanced by thinking more deeply about them and participating in discussions both online and at our monthly meeting.  Everyone is invited to participate in these discussions with us. Please join us and engage in thoughtful discussion about this film right here.

Questions for Discussion
Please leave your comments regarding these questions and any thoughts about the movie you'd like to discuss or share in the Comment Box below.

1. How do Meyers and Morris change over the course of the film? Is compromising their values necessary for the greater good?

2. Do you think the choice Meyers makes over the course of the film are for the greater good or more personally motivated?

3. How has the role of public image changed for political figures between Lincoln and the Ides of March?

4. Meyers truly believes Morris is the right man to be president, regardless of the choices Morris makes. Do you agree with Meyers at the end of the movie?

5. Are a presidential candidates values and personal integrity even important when compared to their political policies? Are these factors more important now that everything is recorded and accessible on the Internet?

References

The Ides of March on IMDB  http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1124035/

Image Credits

www.edgeoftheplank.com

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