PRIMARY COLORS

A film by Mike Nichols

Written by Elaine May

Starring: John Travolta (Pulp Fiction), Adrian Lester (Storm Dancers), Emma Thompson (The Winter Guest), Billy Bob Thornton (Armageddon), Kathy Bates (Titanic), and Maura Tierney (Primal Fear)

Rated R

During "Primary Colors", I honestly wondered what this film's impact would have been if we had never heard of Monica. That we did makes "Primary Colors" all the more powerful. Despite major flaws, and holes at the end of this modern-day fable, the questions it raises about our moral state in politics today are without a doubt powerful and important. The basic question Mike Nichols and Elaine May raise is this: what part does morals and character play in choosing our President?

John Travolta turns in a solid, albeit unspectacular, performance as Jack Stanton, a Democratic progressive candidate who has mastered the art of the game. He is an impeccable candidate, with populist positions and an ability to inspire. However, like every other character, he is extremely flawed, with serious womanizing problems and troubles in his past. During one of his many campaign stops, he meets Henry Burton (Adrian Lester). Henry is beginning to question the present state of affairs, and he wants to be inspired.

Henry and Jack are joined by Susan Stanton, the ambitious wife played perfectly by Emma Thompson. They are the three who define this story, it is through their eyes that we see this story unfold. Billy Bob Thornton is hysterical as Richard Jemmons, a campaign consultant, and Kathy Bates turns in a marvelous performance as Libby Holder, a private investigator hired to protect the Stantons from any dirt that might come at them.

The story follows the primary races, as Stanton battles for the Democratic nomination. His main rival is Lawrence Harris, a New England senator who is running on an economic platform that is gaining support. Stanton has to face all obstacles. He is running against Harris, the press, his vices, and the past. Early on, we see how Stanton uses lies and deceit to conjure up an emotional anecdote that connects with a group of voters. We ask, is this so wrong? Shouldn't a man appeal to his constituents, because he must be able to inspire them, to make them believe? Stanton's beliefs are never in question. His flaws are extreme, especially his womanizing, that which we are introduced to early and often.

The story follows Stanton and Harris, and is often a raucous comedy filled with humor to the extreme. However, midway through the campaign Harris suffers a heart attack. The man who takes his mantle is Fred Picker, a former governor of Florida who runs an idealistic campaign on the issues AND on the moral high ground. He abhors campaign finance abuses, therefore, he runs no ads. He abhors words, so he leads by action. Picker's campaign sets off a deep contrast between he and Stanton, whose vices add up tremendously. Slowly, Henry is forced to make difficult decisions regarding his life, the people he loves, and the ideals he adheres to.

"Primary Colors" isn't a brilliant film. The beginning is flat-out hysterical, but the comedy dies down when the movie becomes more of a character drama/study. It is unevenly paced, too long, and simply boring at some parts. Yet, it is also deeply emotional, it triggers responses which generate questions on the system of affairs today. "Primary Colors" just might be the most important film of the year because of what it shows about ourselves. It is a mirror to our society, displaying our faults as people, and displaying the state of affairs in our nation. It is not about the Presidency. In the end, it is about ourselves.

FINAL: *** out of ****

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