Primary Colors (Widescreen)

 

 

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Politics has, for a long time, need taming, but using this parody on the Presidency to reflect the Peck's Bad Boy and its sidekick, Taming of the Shrew version of how to kick off (literally) a Presidential campaign and term of office is an excellent example of how to bring the wrath of Kahn (pronounced Hahn?) into the fragile arena of elections by persons who care little for the office, or the patriotism it represents. Whether or not it accurately depicts the candidate, Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary, is not nearly as important as the decision to portray their life together as it was, setting in motion an onslaught upon them, as well as upon the Presidency as an office worthy of holding, and what ordinary people will do to get there, or to influence who gets there. The fact that Americans have any respect for the office at all is the result of having had numerous persons who brought credit to it, in their decisionmaking abilities, and the knowledge they'd gained presumably through years of experience that they then decided to use to try and become elected, presumably, or as people hope, to better the lives of American people, and not for their own ego satisfaction, power and financial reward. The fact that the office is seen of late as evolving into the latter is reason enough to see the film, and to give serious consideration of how much puppetry goes into the making of the Presidency, and whether the persons who end up residing there, a.k.a., the Clintons, might reject the idea of being used as puppets, for their own purposes, or whether indeed they reduced themselves to the diplomatically impoverished pair they appeared to be, beginning with the film that supposedly characterized their marriage as well as their maneuvers to reach the White House post. While many recognize the difficulty of their marriage, few expected it to impact the post of the Presidency as much as it did. However, as an aftermath of the dilemma it posed for them, and for the American people, most do recognize that "Some things are just meant to go together," and this film did more to prove that point in combination with Clinton's years as President more than anything else during his terms, but supported by everything during them. This film in Presidential political history may well show how not to be so revealing of the true nature and character of Presidents rather than to display them, a detrimental effect for world citizens, but perhaps one needed to be heeded. To the extent that it trivialized Clinton, his wife, and their 1992 run for the White House is something people are not likely to forget soon, made all the more important for what transpired there. If anything, it should make Americans look more closely at Presidential candidates and their wives to inquire as to what or who they are voting for, and what to expect when they "arrive," however glamorous they appear to be at inaugural balls. Since it is not likely that the Presidency was meant to portray simply a good contest won and the beautiful pageantry of the office, nicknamed Camelot from the JFK years, that are meant to be replicated, never duplicated, it would be difficult to assume that Clinton and his wife did not try their very best to do just that. We can assume from the appearance, perhaps, that had JFK lived, he might have been subject to just such an impeachment hearing given the circumstances and lack of support that Clinton came into the White House with. We also learn how easily, if not comfortably, it is to cripple the office with public opinion, and disrespect for the office regardless of who might win the election and "appear" there on that world stage. While the office has much to offer the American people, most of what it has to offer is bound into the personality and effectiveness of the person who resides there for that term or terms of enchantment and hostility that it can be viewed to represent. That Clinton survived somewhat in tact is an achievement in itself; that he was able to accomplish anything during it is nothing short of a miracle, one we are not likely to see again soon. In that, he may be more of a JFK admirer than ever thought possible, and ultimately, had 8 years to prove it. Given his weaknesses and those of his wife, as seen by most Americans and portrayed in this film, if accurate, and accurately portrayed, his terms were either an extraordinary success or a dismal failure depending upon one's perspective - and just possibly, party affiliation, regardless of one's morality index.

I watched this film recently while reading Bill Clinton's book, "My Life," and after watching another DVD, "The War Room," and I have to say it's hard to tell if this "story" is fiction or a factual summary of Clinton's original run for the Presidency.

Regardless of the story behind the story this movie stands on its own as an excellent political film. John Travolta is fantastic (amazingly close to the real Clinton!) as Stanton the Southern candidate running for office. He leaves behind all hints of his normal sexiness and turns himself into a slick, conniving out of shape politican beant on winning his campaign. He pulls off this role with amazing ability as an actor, tearing up when necessary and showing anger without any brutality, he held it all in his eyes.

Kathy Bates plays a crazy campaign manager who tries to keep Stanton out of the dog house one too many times. She is brilliant in this role as a tough lesiban who succumbs to the reality of politics. She rants, she raves and she delivers great ethical speeches as her character attempts to right all of Stanton's wrongs (which are amazingly similar to Clinton's!).

I believe this film will open up a new level of awareness as to what actually occurs during a presidential campaign. An interesting film with a slow growing message and quite appropriate for political followers. I just wish Stanton/Clinton would finally show his TRUE colors!

When I first stumbled across a very very late night airing of Primary Colors on television, I was hesitant to sit back and enjoy the show. Political films just don't float my boat, since I find the actual politics somewhat uninteresting. However, within about forty-five seconds, I was hooked on this compelling comedy-drama. The story is superb, even though it isn't anything we haven't heard or joked about before. The acting is beyond superb, with every character given a voice and a story, so that you feel that nothing that is said or done is out of place. Although the comedic moments are great, what is really surprising is how, by the end of the film, you are deeply affected by the outcome of each character's story. And although the film is about politics, it is completely non-partisan and leaves the viewer to draw his or her own conclusions.

I feel that I cannot say enough good about Primary Colors. It is a surprisingly wonderful film that I would recommend to everyone.

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5.0 out of 5 stars the story of Bill
basically the story of the evilness of Bill Clinton America's worst president/murderer/rapist/womanizer/drug user/drug dealer/basically you name something that's a crime and he... Lisez davantage

Published on July 10 2004 by M. A. Miller

5.0 out of 5 stars You are my sunshine, my only sunshine...you make happy...
What an ensemble cast! Probably Travolta's last great performance in a movie, but he's not even the best one in this. Lisez davantage

Published on Jun 2 2004 by Jason L. Schechter

5.0 out of 5 stars Really makes you wonder....
Was Bill Clinton so out of control with his libido?

This movie (fiction, apparently based on fact) shows the man in all his glory and with all his flaws.

We see Gov. Lisez davantage

Published on April 8 2004 by CPUsports

2.0 out of 5 stars A Window Into The Mind of Clinton's Supporters
Clinton comitted felonies. Not just infedelity, or inappropriate relations with Monica. That was only part of it, contrary to what his fan club would have you believe. Lisez davantage

Published on Feb 2 2004 by Mr. Tickle Snort

4.0 out of 5 stars Fine political film
Southern governor Jack Stanton (John Travolta) and wife Susan (Emma Thompson) are a political team who have evolved from 60s idealism to 90s pragmatism. Lisez davantage

Published on Jan 25 2004 by David Bonesteel

4.0 out of 5 stars Primary Colors is goooodddd
John Travolta delivers another grandstanding perforance as a Bill Clinton type presidential candidate whose past unfolds and this movie fires up some good moments... Lisez davantage

Published on Dec 9 2003 by Michael Bolts

5.0 out of 5 stars It's Deja Vu All Over Again....
This review refers to the Widescreen DVD edition(Universal) of "Primary Colors"....

Leave it to the fabulous team of Mike Nichols and Elaine May to bring us a politcal... Lisez davantage

Published on Oct 27 2003 by L. Shirley

4.0 out of 5 stars Why did this movie get overlooked?
Mike Nichols' 1998 take on Joe Klein's (oh, I mean, Anonymous') 'Primary Colors' was a pitch-perfect political roman à clef about the Clinton 1992 presidential campaign... Lisez davantage

Published on Sep 4 2003 by Andy Orrock

5.0 out of 5 stars Scathing, honest look at American politics
First of all, reading some of the reviews here, many viewers have missed the point of this movie.

This movie does not make the "Cllinton-esque" character out to be a hero... Lisez davantage

Published on July 12 2003

5.0 out of 5 stars These Colors Do Run-- For Office!
I've seen this movie several times now, and it certain holds up well. Of course, it's all old history now. Lisez davantage

Published on Jun 5 2003 by H. F. Corbin

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