Directed by: Mike Nichols
Starring: John Travolta, Emma Thompson, Adrian Lester, Maura Tierney, Kathy Bates, Larry Hagman, Billy Bob Thornton
Why would anyone want to be President of the United States? We are about to elect one today at the end of a grueling campaign which seems to have lasted eons. I can only hope the job is worth it, although I don't see how that's possible considering the intense scrutiny that comes with it. Primary Colors was made in 1998 before the advent of social media and during the Internet's infancy. It is not just loosely based on Bill Clinton's 1992 Presidential campaign, it changes a few letters in Clinton's last name, but otherwise changes very few facts. Stanton, like Clinton, is Governor of Arkansas, involved in numerous sex scandals, and has the charm and charisma capable of making people forget about his foibles. He has a way of relating to common folk, which is never more evident than in a scene in which he is eating a late night meal at a Waffle House.
Primary Colors doesn't excuse Stanton's actions, but we do see his innate goodness. He is a man who truly seems to care about people. He just has trouble keeping it in his pants. His long-suffering wife Susan (Thompson) is his biggest supporter and his harshest critic. There comes a point when even her faith is tested in whether Jack can pull it together to win the election. Stanton also faces stiff competition for the party nomination from a former Florida governor (Hagman) who seems almost like a candidate for sainthood.
The movie captures the high stress and frenzied pace of a campaign. Jack is whisked off to points all over the country while his campaign staff figures how to spin the latest controversy, one of which involves a pregnant teenage girl Jack may or may not have had relations with. Jack and Susan employ Libby Holden (Bates) to dig up dirt on opponents while fact checking to refute allegations of misconduct. She discovers something crucial about an opponent which she is hesitant to reveal to her friends and employers. Libby works because she believes in the Stantons, but the outcome of her findings shatters that.
Primary Colors wouldn't work if Jack Stanton were seen as an incorrigible bad guy. As played by John Travolta, who really nails Bill Clinton's Southern drawl and charisma, we see Jack Stanton as a primarily decent man underneath all of the bad decisions. We almost root against some of the allegations being true as he continues his march to the White House. We like him despite his shortcomings, mostly because we see his intelligence and charm.
Confidently directed by Mike Nichols, Primary Colors is about smart people who can think fast and react faster. The campaign stress could cripple a lesser person. Where does someone like Jack Stanton ever find the strength to govern after undergoing this torturous undertaking of campaigning? Maybe he figures the worst is behind him and dealing with matters vital to the nation is a walk in the park.
The movie captures the high stress and frenzied pace of a campaign. Jack is whisked off to points all over the country while his campaign staff figures how to spin the latest controversy, one of which involves a pregnant teenage girl Jack may or may not have had relations with. Jack and Susan employ Libby Holden (Bates) to dig up dirt on opponents while fact checking to refute allegations of misconduct. She discovers something crucial about an opponent which she is hesitant to reveal to her friends and employers. Libby works because she believes in the Stantons, but the outcome of her findings shatters that.
Primary Colors wouldn't work if Jack Stanton were seen as an incorrigible bad guy. As played by John Travolta, who really nails Bill Clinton's Southern drawl and charisma, we see Jack Stanton as a primarily decent man underneath all of the bad decisions. We almost root against some of the allegations being true as he continues his march to the White House. We like him despite his shortcomings, mostly because we see his intelligence and charm.
Confidently directed by Mike Nichols, Primary Colors is about smart people who can think fast and react faster. The campaign stress could cripple a lesser person. Where does someone like Jack Stanton ever find the strength to govern after undergoing this torturous undertaking of campaigning? Maybe he figures the worst is behind him and dealing with matters vital to the nation is a walk in the park.
No comments:
Post a Comment