IMDb >
Primary Colors (1998)
Watch It
Buy it at Amazon
Rent it at Blockbuster.com
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
BETA
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summarysynopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsPrimary Colors (1998) More at IMDbPro »
| Photos (see all 62 | slideshow) | Videos (see all 2) |
Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers (WGA):
Release Date:
20 March 1998 (USA)
more
Tagline:
What went down on the way to the top. more
Plot:
A man joins the political campaign of a smooth-operator candidate for president of the USA. full summary | full synopsis
Awards:
Nominated for 2 Oscars.
Another 9 wins
&
15 nominations
more
NewsDesk:
(52 articles)
Slideshow: Hollywood Collectors Show Chicago Portraits of Tia Carrere, Mickey Rooney, Jonathan Frakes, More
(From HollywoodChicago.com. 28 October 2009, 10:51 PM, PDT)
Mike Nichols Has Achieved Much in His Lifetime, Says AFI
(From FilmSchoolRejects. 12 October 2009, 11:51 AM, PDT)
(From HollywoodChicago.com. 28 October 2009, 10:51 PM, PDT)
Mike Nichols Has Achieved Much in His Lifetime, Says AFI
(From FilmSchoolRejects. 12 October 2009, 11:51 AM, PDT)
User Comments:
Insightful, entertaining political drama
more (144 total)
Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| 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 | |
| Larry Hagman | ... | Gov. Fred Picker | |
| Diane Ladd | ... | Mamma Stanton | |
| Paul Guilfoyle | ... | Howard Ferguson | |
| Rebecca Walker | ... | March | |
| Caroline Aaron | ... | Lucille Kaufman | |
| Tommy Hollis | ... | William McCullison (Fat Willie) | |
| Rob Reiner | ... | Izzy Rosenblatt | |
| Ben Jones | ... | Arlen Sporken | |
| J.C. Quinn | ... | Uncle Charlie |
Additional Details
Also Known As:
MPAA:
Rated R for strong language and sexual references.
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
143 min
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Denmark:7 |
Australia:M (re-rating after appeal) |
Australia:MA (original rating) |
Iceland:L |
South Korea:12 |
Philippines:PG-13 |
Singapore:M18 |
Spain:13 |
Finland:K-3 (new rating: 2001) |
Argentina:13 |
Belgium:KT |
Canada:PG |
Chile:14 |
Finland:S |
France:U |
Germany:12 (w) |
Hong Kong:IIB |
Netherlands:AL |
Portugal:M/12 |
Sweden:7 |
Switzerland:12 (canton of Geneva) |
Switzerland:12 (canton of Vaud) |
UK:15 |
USA:R
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
Then-President 'Bill Clinton' enjoyed the film so much that he even invited John Travolta to a party, on one condition, he must come as Governor Jack Stanton. John Travolta declined.
more
Goofs:
Audio/visual unsynchronized: When Norman Asher suggests going on talk shows, his lips say, "Oprah," but the soundtrack says, "Montel."
more
Quotes:
Gov. Jack Stanton:
I'm going to tell you something really outrageous. I'm going to tell you the truth.
more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in "HBO First Look: 'The Contender': The Making of a Political Thriller (#7.17)" (2000)
more
Soundtrack:
STILL THE ONE
more
FAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more (144 total)
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Primary Colors (1998) moreRecommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
Show more recommendations
|
|
|
|
|
| Choose Connor | All the King's Men | All the King's Men | Notes on a Scandal | The Ice Storm |
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
| News articles | IMDb Comedy section | IMDb France section |
| Add this title to MyMovies |













Now that the Monica Lewinsky/Bill Clinton circus has played itself out, I finally saw Elaine May's excellent, under-appreciated rendering of the tale of a thinly disguised American politician and his campaign to become President of the United States. The performances in "Primary Colors" are remarkable. John Travolta does an astonishing impersonation of Clinton without being a Saturday Night Live caricature. Emma Thompson is perfect as his long-suffering wife, always waiting for the other shoe to drop revealing his indiscretions. Kathy Bates deserved her Academy Award nomination as his public relations trouble-shooter. Her not quite over-the-top performance is the heart of this opus. Last, but not least, Adrian Lester is the idealist young African American in charge of his campaign. This impassioned portrayal bodes well to a successful future in films. Mike Nichols has directed Miss May's script with intelligence and humor. See it now, after all the gossiping has died down, for an insightful, entertaining glimpse into the world of politics.