When it comes to making a political thriller, there are generally two directions to take.

If the lure is political purists, the film can dissect the basic elements of government. Few have done this better than "All the President's Men."

Or, the filmmaker can opt to use politics as a backdrop for the emotional and personal foibles of the participants, which has far more general appeal. Look at the 1998 film "Primary Colors," or even William Shakespeare's play "Julius Caesar" for examples.

Either approach works as long as the story line is compelling enough to enthrall the viewer until the last vote is counted or the last lie is told. George Clooney – star, co-writer, director – has opted for option two in the compelling work "The Ides of March." The battle between two Democrats in Ohio's primary is just the scenery for this tale of ambition, loyalty, sex, betrayal and abuse of power.

In other words, it's a lot like real-world politics.

Ryan Gosling plays a whiz-kid consultant who believes a charismatic governor (Clooney) has the right stuff to be the next president. His beliefs are shattered by events that begin to unfold on the campaign trail.

Gosling finally returns to the type of role where he shines. His talents were wasted in the forgettable "Crazy, Stupid, Love," and he never looked comfortable in the controlled violence of "Drive." But in this film, he has such a believable wide-eyed look that it's easy to accept that in a world of cynics, he could be the last person with true ideals.

Clooney looks like he could be both the perfect and imperfect candidate for the White House. That duality creates questions that run through the film and bolsters the tension.

The supporting cast is loaded with top-notch actors: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti and Evan Rachel Wood. Marisa Tomei turns in one of her better efforts playing a dogged journalist, but the part is too small to create any memorable moments.

The weak link is the script by Clooney and Grant Heslov, based on a play by Beau Willimon, that takes several fantastic right turns. That time should have been better used to bring a little more depth to the plot.

When "The Ides of March" stays the political and personal course, it gets my vote. There are only a few moments that will leave you undecided.