Primary Colors
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Movie Reviews of Primary Colors
Movie Review: John Travolta in one of his few good films
Summary: 4 Stars
The movie Primary Colors isn't anything special if you know (or rather willing to admit) who and what Bill Clinton is. For most people who love Clinton they have a huge blindspot for any of his negatives, much like people do for Reagan and Bush. With that said though John Travolta plays a fantastic Bill Clinton. Watching this film may seem like a comedy but it's not: this is really how it happens. I was there right smack in the middle of the Clinton campaign in 1992 and suffice to say the movie embellishes a lot, what's important is the man himself. Travolta captures Candidate Clinton like no other, from the handshake at the beginning fo the film to ...well you'll just have to watch the movie. What you won't see if Hillary. Ironically she did not become her present day self until the middle of the first term so in some ways you get a skewed image of her.
Billy Bob Thornton as the non-public side of James Carville puts in an excellent performance as does Kathy Bates (as always). What this film lacks in a way is the brutal nature of the 92 campaign. It's a satire so take it with a grain of salt but there's no doubt you're looking at the real Bill Clinton. What makes this movie great is that you're looking at politics as it it, most of the time.
Movie Review: WHEN THE COLORS FADE
Summary: 4 Stars
I have to admit that PRIMARY COLORS is a well-made, intelligent and often witty look at the world of politics. It's untimely release during the Clinton scandal doomed its appeal, but one can't deny its impact. However, once the movie was over, I felt little disappointed in that the only person I liked even a little was Kathy Bates, in a brilliant performance that should have put a second Oscar on her mantelpiece. It's her blunt honesty and loss of innocence that propels the movie. Adrian Lester as Henry did a fine job, but his final lack of conviction only undermined his commitment to honesty and integrity. John Travolta is great as the Clinton-like candidate; Emma Thompson has some fine moments as his wife, but she seems sometimes brutally underused. Larry Hagman is a surprise in his small but effective role as Travolta's opponent; he does his best work in this since his days on DALLAS. Maura Tierney, Billy Bob Thornton and the rest of the talented cast don't let the viewer down either. Mike Nichols directs Elaine Mays' script with professional integrity. I just felt that Bates' fate is too drastic and the movie didn't make me feel any better about the players.Movie Review: Serious and hilarious , but not always PC...
Summary: 4 Stars
Henry Burton (Adrian Lester) is more or less abducted by Governor Jack Stanton's (John Travolta) campaign crew who are helping him run for President of United States. However, Henry begins to work for Governor Stanton, since it appears to Henry that the Governor's intentions are sincere. As the campaign escalates, they face damaging opposition, and when things couldn't get worse, a sex scandal emerges. It seems like the Governor has had extramarital affairs, but the Governor's wife, Susan (Emma Thompson) stays strong by his side. In order to stay on top of what the Governor has done in the past, they hire their friend, Libby Holden (Kathy Bates), to help clean up the Governor's name. Soon, the presidential campaign seems to become a popularity contest where image takes precedence over issues. Primary Colors has a brilliant cast that performs up to the expectations in a very interesting story. However, the story lacked that special touch that would put it over the top. Nevertheless, it provided the audience with a very good film experience that will satisfy their curiosity and amusement.Movie Review: More Real Than A Documentary
Summary: 4 Stars
Primary Colors is a fictionalised account of Clinton's first presidential race.
John Travolta does an excellent impersonation of Clinton.
Mike Nichols directed and Elaine May wrote the screenplay. Some of you older folk may remember their brilliant improvisational work in the 1960s.
The movie is largely about the phoniness and triviality of politics. It is that way because the public find wrestling matches interesting, and policy boring.
It is billed as a comedy, but it is a comedy is the sense that Mike Nichol's film Whose Afraid of Virginia Woolf was a comedy.
Near the end of the movie Travolta does a stirring speech about how you have to be phony and smile and play these silly games for a chance to really change the country. You have to make that sacrifice.
Watch for cameos by Tony Shaloub (Monk), Charlie Rose, Larry King, Rob Reiner and Geraldo Rivera.
Movie Review: Fine political film
Summary: 4 Stars
Southern governor Jack Stanton (John Travolta) and wife Susan (Emma Thompson) are a political team who have evolved from 60s idealism to 90s pragmatism. Jack is the heart and Susan is the brain; as conflicted as they are as a result of Jack's infidelities, they are committed to "making history" and know that neither one of them can do it alone. This film follows their campaign for the Democratic nomination and the crises of conscience undergone by their staff workers (Adrian Lester, Kathy Bates, Billy Bob Thornton) as they make their peace (or not) with the hardball choices and compromises that a serious bid for the presidency entails.Director Mike Nichol and screenwriter Elaine May have made a perceptive and serious yet entertaining and often very funny film about the American political process.