In The Ides of March, which hits theaters Friday, an up-and-coming press secretary (Ryan Gosling) finds himself involved in a major political scandal that threatens to upend his candidate (George Clooney)'s shot at the presidency.
While some have drawn parallels to the Rielle Hunter scandal that derailed the career of John Edwards, Clooney tells Movie Fanatic in an interview that his character and the story at large were not based on any particular politician.
Moreover, the film is more about moral choices than politics.
"We're reflecting the mood of our country and our world," Clooney said. "If the film reflects some of the cynicism, that's probably good, it's not a bad thing to hold up a mirror to our politicians. But that wasn't what the film was designed to do."
"There isn't a person you have met that hasn't been met with moral questions," he adds. "Everyone makes moral choices to better themselves and hurt others along the way and whether the means justifies the ends."
Clooney discussed the movie's complex themes and raved about its cast, which includes Gosling, Paul Giamatti, Marisa Tomei and Philip Seymour Hoffman.
For the legendary actor's take on the film, read Movie Fanatic's exclusive George Clooney interview. Then watch The Ides of March trailer below ...
