Primary Colors (1998)reviewed by Benn "Where's the Humanity?" Farrell
"Primary Colors" follows Henry, played by Adrian Lester, who signs up as campaign manager for southern governor Jack Stanton, played by John Travolta (A Civil Action). At first, Henry is all for Stanton as a presidential candidate, but once the governor's past begins to reveal itself to his campaign team, Henry and others must find ways to beat the press and Stanton's opponents to the punch. The picture has messages of integrity littered all over it, showing how a person can be a good hearted and talented politician, but also a low moraled human being. This movie has three Academy Award winners among its cast, and uncountable nominees, including Kathy Bates (Misery), Billy Bob Thornton (Sling Blade) and Emma Thompson (Howward's End). There isn't a single weak link in this entire picture. Bates, who received a nomaintion for her role as Libby, an old friend and former Stanton Chief of Staff, who is hired to investigate the Stanton's to find dirt, which the press could use to harm them. Her foul mouth and no bull s**t attitude enters the movie at just the right time. Thornton, as Stanton's southern political strategist, was also extremely strong, especially in scenes across from Lester. Lester carried the weight of the film on his shoulders extremely well, especially not being a highly notable face. The most amusing performance, of course, comes from Travolta. The picture may not be entirely factual about ex-pres Clinton, but man, does Travolta give one of the best impersonations of Clinton I've ever scene. Obviously, director Mike Nichols (Closer, The Birdcage) wanted to show Clinton in this light, even though the corellations between this movie and Clinton's campaign and first years in office are few. Elaine May wrote the screenplay (The Birdcage), adapted from a novel of the same name, authored by "Anonymous." I loved how the book/film used Clinton's problems as material for a far more interesting fictional story. It gave the picture credibility, even though some plot points were a little far fetched. The picture runs two hours and twenty minutes, and unfortunately it REALLY feels it into the final hour. Several dialogue scenes could have been shortened, I feel, but everyone was giving such a gripping performance, I didn't quite mind that much. If you're into political movies, which show how screwed up things can get for a high profile presidential candidate with a past, then you should enjoy "Primary Colors." Benn - Where's the Humanity?
This pictrure is notoriously about the campaign to win Governor Bill Clinton the presidential democratic primary election. However, after having finally saw it, it may have been where the material started, but not where it ended.