Primary Colors (1998)

How sad is this?

I am only giving this movie a 1 for the great cast, though I can't imagine what any of them were thinking. This movie was horrible

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

Henry Burton (Adrian Lester) is the grandson of a civil rights leader. He is brought in as the body man for Governor Jack Stanton (John Travolta) as he runs for the democratic nomination for president. It's a small campaign at the beginning. He has a complicated relationships with his wife Susan Stanton (Emma Thompson). Jack is a womanizer and an exceedingly friendly guy. Inappropriate southerner Richard Jemmons (Billy Bob Thornton) and Daisy Green (Maura Tierney) are the strategists. Henry wants politics to make a difference and is won over by Burton who may actually win. They hire the unstable Libby Holden (Kathy Bates) who was Jack's former chief of staff to research all the hidden skeletons. Then a sex scandal erupts.Based on Joe Klein's book on the Clinton campaign, this has the feel of ripped-from-the-headlines story. That has its own charm and its own pitfalls. It can feel at times like a TV movie about the presidential campaign with them playing very recognizable characters. It also has the feel of authenticity. The performances are terrific anchored by Travolta, Billy Bob and Thompson. Although Henry Burton needs to be a more central compelling character. He not only has to represent the audience but he needs to react to Jack. The audience has to feel the reaction. Jack has to raise up Henry and then break his heart. Burton is a bit too bland of a character in a world of sharp compelling characters.

The only thing separating the "fallen" Politician from those who have not is that they got CAUGHT, in something undeniable and the unseating ensues with not much surprise but always some interest. The hypocrisy is rampant and if you cracked open any of them you are likely to find something revealing, some kind of Human fault or weakness or Sin.Corruption, immorality, and illegality are prevalent if not rampant in the ranks of the elected "public servants". From Bill Clinton to Strom Thurmond we see glimpses if not revelations of such behavior. This slightly satirical look inside is quite a droll and tame affair. It is engaging enough if not fully functional and satisfying. It is all handled by professional Movie Makers and is slick, but not sultry in its portrayal of behind the bedroom door exposures of front runners and back stabbers. There is not one sex scene in this Film about sexual responsibility and consequences and it is better for it.It makes its other points, quite well, on how to deal with the implications of being outed, both by the Party and Candidates involved and their opponents. The Movie is insightful but not really intense or deep and is more of an entertainment than Political Science.

I really feel that Mike Nichols wastes his (considerable) talent on directing bland Hollywood films when he could be doing something interesting. This is exactly what "Primary Colors" is- a watchable and somewhat entertaining political satire but one that is bland and instantly forgettable. Well, outside of Travolta's best Bill Clinton impression, that is.Based on Joe Klein's book of the same name which was clearly (despite claims to the contrary) based on Bill Clinton's 1992 Presidential campaign. It's amazing how dull this movie is when it has such a superficially interesting story to tell. It is under the pretension of being some sort of daring political expose when in fact it is really just: John Travolta impersonating Bill Clinton and look ashamed when another scandal about his past is revealed. Add to this some amazingly contrived and ludicrous dialogue from Elaine May and you have a very, very bland and predictable film.Good acting all-around, mostly celebrities being themselves or impersonating political personalities but nothing bad, exactly. Nichols is a good director and paces the film surprisingly well. The script is the main issue here and it is just a huge mess.6/10

A thinly disguised couple, one of the most famous couple of the last decade. They carry the "come as you are" kind of attitude, apparently, so, yes, at least apparently. Looking at it from where I'm standing in 2007 she may become the first USA woman president and he was, for 8 years, one of, if not the most popular American president since JFK and with the benefit of hindsight, he was probably a much more talented politician than JFK. I'm not necessarily a Democrat but I became, eventually, pro Clinton. Junk food and "momathons" infidelity and at times right down vulgarity doesn't blur the intentions of the couple and a couple is what they are. It may not have been John Travolta's most popular performance but for my money it's his best. Emma Thompson deals with Elaine May's superb and telling dialog with all the depth and poignancy, let alone fun, that the character deserved. She is magnificent. Kathy Bate's time bomb character is an unnerving fun to watch. Her Libby is a close relative of her "Misery" Mike Nichols keeps it really domestic. The most important things take place in Motels or kitchens. She wears yellow plastic gloves to do the dishes when big decisions are taken and cleanses her skin with a tissue in front of the preppy Adrian Lester the first time she meets him. They are ordinary southern folks with an extraordinary destiny. She's the one with a sense of history. Imagine that. See it now, again or for the first time before the next elections. It's a very good movie too.