"This is a work of fiction!!" insisted Mike Nichols during almost every interview regarding "Primary Colors," his new feature about a presidential campaign. Based on the 1996 book of the same name, written by an author who called himself "Anonymous," (who was later 'outed' by the Washington Post as political journalist Joe Klein), it is hard not to notice the parallels between the characters in Primary Colors and the characters currently in the White House. Jack Stanton is the Democratic Primary candidate on whom the story focuses. Played with aplomb by John Travolta (Grease, Face/Off), he is Southern, with many gray hairs, an appetite for doughnuts, and a reputation for chasing women. His wife is played by Emma Thompson (Howard's End, Sense and Sensibility) in a superb performance that not only showcases her acting range, but also highlights her considerable skill at doing accents, as she feigns a combination of a Southern/Midwestern drawl, hiding her Brit roots. Analyzed closely enough, one can find a supposed real-life counterpart for almost everyone in the film. Billy Bob Thornton takes a wide dramatic turn (away from his Oscar nominated signature role as the lead in Sling Blade) as Stanton's Southern, balding political strategist (modeled on James Carville), and rookie Adrian Lester (also a Brit, who also effectivley feigns an American accent) is a preppy young campaign advising strategist (think George Stephanopoulis). Other notable performances include Larry Hagman (I Dream of Jeannie, Dallas) as one of Stanton's opponents, and Kathy Bates (Misery, Titanic) in another brilliant role as an old friend who helps to troubleshoot the campaign (and does not have enough screen time). Primary Colors works on most levels. It is a combination of satire, documentary, and biography. Travolta portrays Stanton with an abundance of warmth, sincerity, and an ideal amount of vulnerability. Scenes with the public are favorable, and show him connecting with them in a way that is sure to capture their vote. A prime example is the scene in a doughnut shop, resting after a long day. Stanton capitulates with the sole worker. Two very different people, in very different situations, find they have a lot to talk about. As a couple, Travolta and Thompson display an abundance of chemistry, that elicits our concern for the well being of them both individually and for their marraige. In their reactions to others' dialogue, their emotions are conveyed superbly, for both what they are individually thinking, and what they hope each other is thinking. The film does drag in certain parts, and it is rather lengthy (at 2:23), but it was a fun story to follow, if you can try to forget about what is going on in the real world.
Rated R (Adult situations, language)