Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #22022 in DVD
• Released on: 2009-08-03
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
• Formats: PAL, Widescreen
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 137 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
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 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

Synopsis
In Mike Nichols's Primary Colors, America's topsy-turvy political process is viewed through the eyes of Henry Burton (Adrian Lester), an idealistic young man who is seduced into managing the presidential campaign of slick southern governor Jack Stanton (John Travolta). The mesmerised Burton immediately sets up campaign headquarters and meets his new political family: Susan Stanton (Emma Thompson), Jack's wife and partner; Richard Jemmons (Billy Bob Thornton), the sly, improbable political strategist who proudly describes himself as a redneck; Libby Holden (Kathy Bates), the fanatically loyal, overtly lesbian campaign troubleshooter who always has a big mouth and occasionally carries a big gun to match; and Daisy (Maura Tierney), the young, smart, and looking-for-love campaign media adviser. The film is based on the controversial best-selling novel by Anonymous (Joe Klein). Travolta's dead-on, thinly disguised Clinton impersonation alone is well worth seeing.

Customer Reviews

Southern Comfort
Although it's never going to be the greastest political film ever made it's a great insight into Bill Clinton's run for the Whitehouse and the psyche of the man. I should say it's not explicity linked to Clinton at any stage but the similarities are too great to be anyone else.

With fine acting all round (particularly Travolta and Thompson) it is really quite a believable exploration of the man that helps understand the character of his 8 years as President. I found Travolta's portrayal, constantly switching between personas depending on the audience, engrossing - the Southern Governer singing "You Are My Sunshine" to the Champion of the working man rounding up donations from industrialists.

Brilliant stuff! Definitely worth watching, especially if you like the West Wing.

Primary Colours
What a great movie. The level of acting was fantastic, and the story line brilliant portrayal of American politics. Any one who has any interest in the American government, with all its odities, should definately watch this movie.

Rockin' Politik
Me love this alot. John is sensational. So is his wife. The whole cast are on top form. HE WAS BORN TO RUN. HE WAS BORN TO RUN. Buy it. Watch it. LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE IIIIIIIIIIIIIIITTT!!

John Travolta.

John Travolta.