POLITICS IN THE CINEMA

Written by Matthew Pejkovic

The political film is set to invade the cinema, with many high profile movies exploring the corridors of power and delving into the minds of those behind the political machine.

Here is a rundown of the political films set to win your vote at the movies.

THE IDES OF MARCH

George Clooney has openly expressed his love for the political movies of the ‘70s, so he created his own with The Ides of March.

Starring hot property Ryan Gosling and packed with a plethora of acting talent in supporting roles (Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Marisa Tomei), The Ides of March centres on an idealistic campaign staffer (Gosling) who uncovers a secret involving democrat president candidate (Clooney).

With Clooney calling the shots and a great cast promising juicy performances, The Ides of March is sure to be a winner with critics and audiences alike.

THE LADY

It has been a while since Luc Besson last directed a live action movie. Now he returns to the land of the living with political biopic The Lady.

Michelle Yeoh stars as Burma pro-democracy advocate Aung San Suu Kyi, who was placed under house arrest by the Burmese military after winning the presidency.

Early reviews has given The Lady good word of mouth, especially for David Thewlis who is earning raves for his portrayal as writer Michael Aris.

RED STATE

Kevin Smith leaves behind his View Askew universe and delivers his proclamation on religion and politics in America with Red State.

Taking inspiration from notorious fundamentalist whakos the Phelps family and the Waco catastrophe, Smith takes aim at the outer fringes of society and extreme politics in our post 9/11 times.

Never one to stray away from controversy, Smith has already got emotions high with this release.

WINNIE

Nelson Mandela was previously portrayed by Morgan Freeman in Invictus, which won Oscar acclaim.

Now Jennifer Hudson will star as Winnie Mandela, political activist and wife of Nelson (portrayed this time by Terrence Howard) in Winnie.

Reviews from festival screenings thus far have been unkind, potentially placing Winnie in the “could have been better” field.

THE IRON LADY

The life and times of divisive former Prime Minister of the UK Margaret Thatcher will soon be shown on the big screen in The Iron Lady.

Meryl Streep dons wig, English accent and tons of make-up for the role of Thatcher, a sure fire Oscar grab if there ever was one.

Focusing on the price Thatcher payed to become the most powerful woman in the world, The Iron Lady is sure to split critics (films and political) down the middle.

J. EDGAR

Founder of the F.B.I. and national boogeyman J. Edgar Hoover has become a legend. He is also now a subject of a biopic directed by Clint Eastwood.

Leonardo DiCaprio will bring his trademark intensity to the title role, which will see him age on screen and maybe even delve into a bit of cross dressing (if rumours about Hoover are to be believed.)

Armie Hammer, Naomi Watts, and Judi Dench co-star, Dustin Lance Black (Milk) writes, Eastwood directs and DiCaprio grimaces. This one has Oscar bait all over it.