Primary Colors1998

Director
Mike Nichols

Acters

John Travolta (Governor Jack Stanton)
Emma Thompson (Susan Stanton)
Billy Bob Thornton (Richard Jemmons)
Kathy Bates (Libby Holden)
Adrian Lester (Henry Burton)
Maura Tierney (Daisy Green)

What went down on the way to the top?
This political satire, based on a book by an (originally) anonymous insider (now known to be Joe Klein) who worked on Bill Clinton’s 1992 Presidential campaign, centers on the charismatic, philandering, power-hungry Southern Democrat governor Jack Stanton. Together with his equally headstrong wife, Stanton rises from obscurity to become a main player on the political map, but various sexual scandals in his private life threaten to derail his ascent to power. Adrian Lester, Billy Bob Thornton and Kathy Bates feature as part of his eccentric campaign team.
Film generated controversy for its depiction of a Clinton-like character as it was released close to the Lewinsky scandal.
“It’s a superb film – funny, insightful and very wise about the realities of political life.” – Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
“Mike Nichols and screenwriter Elaine May have produced one of the smartest, funniest political movies of the past 20 years.” – Cincinnati Enquirer
“A smart and savvy piece of work.” – Los Angeles Times