Review of Primary Colors (1998) by Chris K — 16 Aug 2007

"Primary Colors" is a political comedy, or perhaps a farce if not for a 1998 American audiences' recognition of the film's main protagonist (the slimy one, I mean). This protagonist I refer to is Jack Stanton, played by John Travolta.

Stanton is a little-known governor from a tiny southern state, with greying hair, a charismatic attitude, a raspy voice, and a love for food. And a tendancy to cheat on his wife. It should sound familiar.

Undoubtedly, Stanton is Bill Clinton. Unfortunately for timing, this film was released in what had to be the worst year in Clinton's life. It was the year that started with Paula Jones' accusations of sexual harrassment, escalated to the infamous "I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky," and then (on his 52nd birthday) admitting that he was, in fact, lying, and concluding the year with his impeachment by the House of Representatives.

Not a good year, indeed. And peculiar that Hollywood, a part of the country with famous admiration for Clinton, released this film about him (note that Tom Hanks, a good friend of Clinton's, turned down the lead role).

The depiction of Stanton/Clinton is what appears to be the perplexity of Bill Clinton, the politian and the man. A liberal at heart who was far more towards the center than Kerry, Dukakis, Mondale, Kennedy, etc.

, whose anti-Vietnam War, draft-dodging, gay-supporting, pro-labor, man for the people was hard to reconcile his free-trade, fiscal responsibility, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," aggressive foreign policy centrism.

A charismatic, likeable, talented, witty, romantisist who deeply hurt his wife and country with his numerous affairs. Stanton is ambitious, confident and smooth, just as Clinton is. What's also rather accurate is Emma Thompson as--who else--Hillary Clinton.

And like the portrait of Governor Stanton, Mrs. Stanton is accepted by the audience member based on his or her perception of Hillary. She is either a caring wife whose faith helped her to forgive, despite her deep hurt given to her by her husband.

Or she is a genuine Lady McBeath, hauntingly ambitious to the point where winning campaigns take precedent over personal matters. But as for the film, Travolta shines, as he frequently does, and he is supported by a marvelous cast of Thompson, Billy Bob Thorton, Kathy Bates, Adrian Lester, and a funny cameo by Rob Reiner as a Jewish radio host.

Mike Nichols added another brilliant film to his awesome line of work, and I don't need to describe his gift for finding wonderful stories to tell, while simultaeneously getting the best performances from his performers.

He has found a film that, in few other examples, takes a look at our principles and declining confidence in our electoral system. Where realism overcomes romanticism. Where conversations about what is best for the country are insignificant.

Stanton carries an empathetic, "I feel your pain" persona, just as Clinton did. But in the end, he just wants to win, and does so on his terms. It is a unique time to watch this movie, as we are in full swing of the primary season, months away from the real contests, where, just as "Primary Colors" demonstrates, it appears that the controversial personal lives of Hillary Clinton and Rudy Giuliani will have a profound effect on their campaigns.

It is often noted that in today's America, Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt would be incapable of winning an election--Lincoln because of his ugliness and Roosevelt due to his handicap. This is because of the current state of our media, obsessed with the tiniest, juciest details.

Take Barack Obama's past as a Muslim, for example, and we see what the media has the power to do. "Primary Colors" seems to be a final plea for Americans to reject the media's ways of running elections, and to find a true candidate.

Which brings me to wonder if we are supposed to be disillusioned by Stanton/Clinton. Bill Clinton left office with the highest approval rating since Eisenhower, higher than Reagan, and more than twice the poll ratings of the current president.

He is noted for his charm, his love of working and lower class families and their struggles (Toni Morrison called him the first black president for his support of the black community), an unbelievably talented orator, a terrific statesman, a rockstar of a politician where even his loudest critics are calming down and quietly admitting "he wasn't that bad," while his admires long for the days where they had confidence in their country.

But he was awfully ambitious, just as his wife is. I heard that apparently Clinton did see "Primary Colors," and loved it. So much, that he invited John Travolta to the White House, but only on the condition that Travolta come as Governor Stanton.

Travolta declined.