Frequently Bought Together
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Product details
|
Reviews
Amazon.co.uk Review
Based on the novel by Anonymous (a.k.a. political reporter Joe Klein) and released when the Monica Lewinsky scandal was in full swing, Primary Colors may have been a case of too much, too soon for many moviegoers, who preferred the real-life Clinton crisis over the movie's thinly disguised "Clintonesque" comedy. The general public felt that the film was exploiting the president's indiscretions, and as a result one of the most critically acclaimed movies of 1998 was a box-office disappointment. But when considered apart from the Clinton scandals and judged on its own considerable merits, this superb comedy-drama provides an illuminating, insightful, and frequently hilarious look at the harsh realities of presidential politics. John Travolta stars as Jack Stanton, a presidential hopeful whose campaign is challenged by dual dilemmas: how to squelch a scandal involving the candidate's alleged sex with an underage girl, and how to handle information that could potentially ruin Stanton's opponent (superbly played by Larry Hagman). Stanton's wife (Emma Thompson) stands by her man despite awareness of his infidelities, but his loyal campaign planners (played by Billy Bob Thornton, Maura Tierney, and Adrian Lester) experience a crisis of conscience. So does one of the Stantons' oldest friends (Kathy Bates, in an Oscar-nominated role), whose sense of betrayal and lost idealism proves too much to bear. Masterfully adapted by director Mike Nichols and his former-comedy-partner-turned-screenwriter, Elaine May, Primary Colors plays like a sophisticated comedy with loads of memorable scenes and dialogue, but it sneaks up on you with devastating dramatic impact. Anchored by Travolta's superb performance (which is reminiscent of Clinton without being a cheap impersonation), the movie presents a story of great moral complexity and leaves viewers to contemplate their own reactions to the volatile and ethically complicated game of modern politics. --Jeff Shannon
Synopsis
In Mike Nichols's Primary Colors, America's topsy-turvy political process is viewed through the eyes of Henry Burton (Adrian Lester), an idealistic young man who is seduced into managing the presidential campaign of slick southern governor Jack Stanton (John Travolta). The mesmerised Burton immediately sets up campaign headquarters and meets his new political family: Susan Stanton (Emma Thompson), Jack's wife and partner; Richard Jemmons (Billy Bob Thornton), the sly, improbable political strategist who proudly describes himself as a redneck; Libby Holden (Kathy Bates), the fanatically loyal, overtly lesbian campaign troubleshooter who always has a big mouth and occasionally carries a big gun to match; and Daisy (Maura Tierney), the young, smart, and looking-for-love campaign media adviser. The film is based on the controversial best-selling novel by Anonymous (Joe Klein). Travolta's dead-on, thinly disguised Clinton impersonation alone is well worth seeing.
Suggested Tags from Similar Products(What's this?)Be the first one to add a relevant tag (keyword that's strongly related to this product)
|
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Although it's never going to be the greastest political film ever made it's a great insight into Bill Clinton's run for the Whitehouse and the psyche of the man. I should say it's not explicity linked to Clinton at any stage but the similarities are too great to be anyone else.
With fine acting all round (particularly Travolta and Thompson) it is really quite a believable exploration of the man that helps understand the character of his 8 years as President. I found Travolta's portrayal, constantly switching between personas depending on the audience, engrossing - the Southern Governer singing "You Are My Sunshine" to the Champion of the working man rounding up donations from industrialists.
Brilliant stuff! Definitely worth watching, especially if you like the West Wing.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
John Travolta was a prime choice for this would be Bill Clinton, named Jack Stanton. His dye-job wasn’t great, but aside from that, this movie was a pretty strong adaptation of the book with the same title. The book was written in the first person perspective of Henry Burton, the grandson of a civil rights leader. Though the perspective issue was a bit difficult to overcome completely, the story still moved really well. The movie could have easily been an hour longer. The only real problem presented was perhaps an editing issue. There were a few terms used partway through the film that perhaps were used earlier and edited for time’s sake.
The movie was good. It told the story of a politician, even though he was a brilliant strategist and possessed a keen political mind, he really cared for and loved people. He wanted to shake hands with you and hear your story. Overall, it showed the trail of bad choices and shortcomings of a brilliant, but flawed, man.
The movie was good. It told the story of a politician, even though he was a brilliant strategist and possessed a keen political mind, he really cared for and loved people. He wanted to shake hands with you and hear your story. Overall, it showed the trail of bad choices and shortcomings of a brilliant, but flawed, man.
epc
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
OK, before I start I must admit that I love politics. That no doubt helps when seing Primary Colors. The movie in itself is very good but given some political interest it becomes one of the movies people can watch again and again and again. A must view movie, the book is next on my reading list. And given that as a rule I don't read fiction that is quite a feat.
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Most Recent Customer Reviews
very good
As is often the case, I liked the book more than the movie. But the movie is very good. I particularly like the part Hagman played. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Big Al
Primary Colours, Nothings Black Or White
It just occurred to me, Jack Stanton is also the name of a character in the Greta Scacchi / Tom Berenger movie Shattered. Bit of trivia for you. Read more
Published on 6 May 2010 by Philoctetes
A BRILLIANT MOVIE
I love it, John Travolta and Emma Thomson are so good in the roles of Bill and Hilary Clinton (thinly disguised). Read more
Published on 19 Jan 2010 by Mrs. J. Stark
Primary Colours
What a great movie. The level of acting was fantastic, and the story line brilliant portrayal of American politics. Read more
Published on 22 Jan 2006
Rockin' Politik
Me love this alot. John is sensational. So is his wife. The whole cast are on top form. HE WAS BORN TO RUN. HE WAS BORN TO RUN. Buy it. Watch it. Read more
Published on 5 July 2005 by Chris Rigby
"PC" (political correctness)
Well, what can I say! This movie managed to win me around the second time I watched it. For me, Travolta gave the most remarkable performance as Jack Stanton. Read more
Published on 22 Feb 2004 by K. Abraham
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
Listmania!
|
|
Look for similar items by subject
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
