Finally hitting theaters this week, the highly anticipated THE IDES OF MARCH follows the rise and fall of a presidential candidate press rep who discovers the hard way the realities of backroom political backstabbing and betrayal. Co-written and directed by GEORGE CLOONEY (who also stars) from the play, FARRAGUT NORTH, by BEAU WILLIMON, the cast also includes PHILLIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN, MARISA TOMEI, PAUL GIAMATTI, JEFFREY WRIGHT, MAX MINGHELLA and EVAN RACHEL WOOD.

Known for his on-set pranks and easy sense of humor, CLOONEY was in fine form when talking with the press at the recent Toronto International Film Festival. Fielding questions about co-star RYAN GOSLING, he was quick with the (back-handed) compliments. (CLICK ON THE MEDIA BAR FOR AUDIO)

THE IDES OF MARCH opens in theaters Friday