Fan Fare

“Ides of March” stars play politics, or not, at TIFF

Politics may make for good films, but don’t expect the stars of “The Ides of March” to run for office any time soon.

George Clooney, who directs and stars as governor Mike Morris in the political drama, has already said he isn’t interested in a real-life political career.

As for Ryan Gosling, who plays the central role of press attache Stephen Myers in the film about the U.S. Democratic primary race, when asked at the TIFF press conference on Friday if he would ever consider throwing his hat in the political ring, his answer was a blunt “No”.

Not even a little joke.

This from the man who earlier compared Clooney’s directing style to watching the birth of a unicorn. Perhaps working on a film about the dirty side of politics has made a cynic of the Canadian actor.

In “The Ides of March,” Gosling’s character becomes embroiled in a high-stakes game of sex and power in a critical look at the reality behind political rhetoric. Clooney said the film is not meant to be a commentary on the state of politics in the United States, but rather a look at human morality.

As for whether the morally ambivalent characters who dot the film could exist in the political sphere north of the border, Gosling said Canadians are just “too nice.”

George Michael has tip for Obama – team up with Clinton

George Michael has a tip for U.S. Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama — team up with former rival Hillary Clinton — as the British pop star joined the growing band of celebrities rallying behind the senator for Illinois.

Michael, 45, touring North America for the first time in 17 years, told fans — including “Sex and the City” star Sarah Jessica Parker — during a concert at New York City’s Madison Square Garden: “I know you guys all need a change.”

While he admitted he doesn’t know what kind of change Obama would bring if elected — saying that after “months of watching CNN” he still does not know what Obama or Clinton stand for, but if Obama “takes on Hillary, I’ll know he’s got some balls.” He said Obama and Clinton were the strongest team.

Michael, has sold more than 85 million records with hits like “Careless Whisper” and “Faith,” rocked the New York arena during the first of two shows in the city, as he nears the end of a seven week, 22 city North American tour.

Michael rose to fame in the early 1980s as one-half of the singing duo Wham!, which scored the huge hit single “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go.”  But it was as a solo artist with 1987′s “Faith” that he broke into the ranks of pop superstars. 

Michael, whose given name is Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, ran into trouble with police in Beverly Hills, California in 1998 when he was arrested for engaging in a lewd act in a public restroom. He pleaded no-contest, was fined a small amount and ordered to perform community service. The incident forced him to openly disclose his homosexuality and his relationship with American Kenny Goss.

During Monday’s show he dedicated his song “Amazing” to Goss, who was in the audience, and commented at one point that gay marriage should be legal in New York.

Elton sings for Hillary — “I’m still standing”

American TV superstar Oprah Winfrey might be backing Democratic presidential hopeful Barak Obama, but his rival Hillary Clinton got her own celebrity boost on Monday when Elton John announced he would perform a solo concert on behalf of her campaign on April 9 at Radio City Music Hall in New York.  The event, called “Elton and Hillary: One Night Only,” is the British star’s first public solo concert in New York City without his band in eight years. Ticket prices start at $125.

“I’m not a politician but I believe in the work that Hillary Clinton does,” said John.  “I’m excited to support Hillary by performing at what will be a truly memorable night.”

It’s a tight race between Obama, who would be the United States’ first black president if successful, and Clinton, who also would break new ground by being the first female president.