Review of Primary Colors (1998) by Gregory G — 03 Sep 2010
Based on the fictional book by Anonymous (later identified as Joe Klein), about the 1992 Presidential campaign of Bill Clinton, this satire, written by Elaine May and directed by Mike Nichols, is incisive on political ethics but exasperating on idealism.
John Travolta is effectively earnest as the southern governor running for President beset by personal scandals. Travolta does an impersonation of Clinton but he elevates the role beyond caricature. Emma Thompson exudes the fierce intelligence of the governor's ambitious wife.
May's profane, witty script focuses solely on the salacious details and maneuverings of the campaign staff. Constructing the story from the point-of-view of a painfully noble, idealistic aide (Adrian Lester), who becomes an innocent corrupted undermines the cynicism of the satire.
The last half hour strains credibility in favor of heavy-handed melodrama and moralism. Kathy Bates is brazenly crude and funny as the ball-busting political operative, similar to her role in "The Late Shift.
" With Billy Bob Thornton, Maura Tierney, a terrific Larry Hagman, Diane Ladd, Paul Guilfoyle, Allison Janney, Mykelti Williamson, Tony Shalhoub, Robert Klein, Stacy Edwards, and Rob Reiner.
This review of Primary Colors (1998) was written by Gregory G on 03 Sep 2010.
Primary Colors has generally received positive reviews.
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