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starring: John Travolta, Emma Thompson, Kathy Bates, Larry Hagman, Billy Bob Thorntondirected by: Mike Nichols
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Binding: VHS Tape
EAN: 9780783227047
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, NTSC
ISBN: 0783227043
Label: Universal Studios
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: Universal Studios
Release Date: February 02, 1999
Running Time: 143 minutes
Sales Rank: 11575
Studio: Universal Studios
Theatrical Release Date: March 20, 1998
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Editorial Review:
Amazon.com essential video:
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 promising newcomer 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
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Travolta and Thompson are Superb,along with everyone else
John Travolta and Emma Thompson were superb in "Primary Colors."I especially love Kathy Bates part.
Along with most of the reviewers,I would like to know if most of the movie is fact or fiction.
If its true,Man,what an adventure it was for Bill Clinton's team to get him in the White House.
If you love politics like I do,you will really enjoy this film.
Rating: - I'm going to tell you something really outrageous. I'm going to tell you the truth
Based on a novel by Anonymous (later revealed to be Joe Klein, New York and Washington D.C. journalist and columnist), Primary Colors is roman à clef portraying Bill Clinton's first presidential campaign up to the Primary. It is both flattering and unflattering--from the minute you first hear John Travolta as Governor Jack Stanton, you know he is supposed to be Bill Clinton. He has the voice down, and as the movie goes on, you see that he has the man and all his mannerisms down pat. Though Klein ... Read More
Rating: - Smashing movie!
This was a great movie; I bought it as a gift for someone who wanted to see John Travolta doing President Clinton & my friend enjoyed it too.
Rating: - A Fun Comedy that Tells the Truth about Politics
When I saw this film for the first time my Mom and I both busted out laughing hysterically and after getting the DVD and watching it with an opened mind from start to finish, I have to say that this film is definitely relevant for today especially, with the coming election this November. "Primary Colors" is a film that showcases one Senator's long road to the White House and the many pros and cons behind an unforgettable campaign. Based on the Novel that chronicles the bitter secrets of the Bill ... Read More
Rating: - PRIMARY COLORS
Great product and great service. Love the movie. It should be right up there with the classics.
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