George Clooney continues to play around with politics.
The self-admitted political junkie co-wrote, directed and stars in the new film "The Ides of March."
In the movie, Clooney plays a presidential candidate in the middle of a tough primary contest in Ohio.
Tensions rise as a political scandal involving members of his campaign team threaten to ruin his chances of becoming President.
Clooney called the film a story of ethics.
SOUNDBITE: George Clooney, actor and director, saying (English):
"I seem to enjoy kind of having conversations about morality tales. When we were first talking about doing this movie before the play existed, we were thinking about putting it in the financial district in some way or another, which has plenty of issues with morality tales as you know."
Actress Marisa Tomei, who plays a political journalist in the movie, says while the script was good, Clooney is what made her take the role.
SOUNDBITE: Marisa Tomei, actress, saying (English):
"It wasn't the script it was Mr. Clooney and Phil Hoffman and Ryan and getting to be directed by him and that I love Detroit. But certainly yes, the script is very strong, but the other factors were stronger for me in this particular case."
Actress Evan Rachel Wood was quick to give Clooney's directing skills high marks.
SOUNDBITE: Evan Rachel Wood, actress, saying (English):
"He's a 10 man, a 10. This is one of the most fun experiences I've ever had, so he's great."
And while Clooney enjoys making films with a political backdrop, the actor says his life will never imitate art.
SOUNDBITE: George Clooney, actor and director, saying (English):
"I'm not a policy maker and I can just help bring attention to a cause that could use it and that's ok, I'm pretty good at that, so I don't mind doing that."
The Ides of March opens nationwide on October 7.
Alicia Powell, Reuters.