PRIMARY COLORS
"Primary Colors" opens with a primer on body language, specifically the handshake of Presidential hopeful southern Governor Jack Stanton. If he grabs your hand one way, it means ‘this’. If he grabs it the other way, it means ‘that’. If he shakes your hand, pulls you just a little closer, and rubs your right shoulder with his left hand, it means something else entirely. If Jack’s handshake is his hook, then his winning smile, piercing eyes, and genuine sincerity are the bait. He could be reeling in your vote, your friendship, or your moral support. If he can even get you to believe in him, he’ll take everything else you have to offer. What he wants from Henry Burton, the grandson of a leading civil rights figure, is his name and his skills as a campaign organizer. Henry sees Jack Stanton’s shimmering charisma in action at an urban grass roots gathering of an illiteracy group that is part of a government reading program. Henry thinks he may have found that rare breed of politician who really cares for the people. Henry lets the exhilaration of the moment get the best of him and accompanies Jack to his next stop on the road to national recognition. "Primary Colors" is Henry Burton’s personal odyssey to find out if Jack Stanton is the real thing. What he finds is a complex man driven as much by his physical appetites as his desire to help people. Henry can’t have one without the other.
Director Mike Nichols and screenwriter Elaine May have fashioned a character study of a full blooded politician full of wry humor, tragedy, and hopeful resignation. Each key member of Jack’s staff has a story, and each story reveals a new facet of Jack’s personality. Henry is all ears, treating each tale like a chapter in a book that might reveal the whole man. The one constant that runs through this living narrative is Jack’s refusal to resort to dirty politics. It gives Jack a mythic quality that overshadows the darker side of his nature. Ultimately, Henry formulates his own impressions of the real man through a triumvirate of power that helped mold Jack’s political career. They are the ones who recognize Jack’s strengths, and are not afraid to point out his weaknesses. Of the three, Jack’s wife, Susan, is the most politically motivated.
Emma Thompson plays Susan with the conviction of a woman who knows what she wants, and the sacrifices needed to get it. She is a partner in her husband’s political vision. Susan is the first to win Henry over with her candidness. She gives him the truth and expects the same in return. Billie Bob Thornton plays the ruthless but politically savvy red neck adviser who helps Jack become a contender. Kathy Bates gives an exuberant performance as Jack’s fanatical trouble shooter, Libby Holden. In a very moving scene, she explains to Henry that she is like the moon that reflects the light of the sun. She sees herself as a reflection of Jack’s idealism. She will do anything to help him because she believes that Jack Stanton is the real thing.
John Travolta is mesmerizing as the genteel Southern Governor who ‘jaws’ his way to the top of the heap. He’s a good ‘ole boy who understands the problems of his country. John may have modeled his mannerisms after our forty second President, but there’s no doubt that his fully fleshed portrayal is totally his own. There is no hint of parody. At first, Adrian Lester seems dull as Henry Burton, but that’s his character. He has the manner of an impassive observer, but his eyes reveal a lot more about him than his actions. He executes his job with text book precision, and expects everyone around him to be politically correct. Later, tragedy strikes because of the Stantons’ indecisive stand on an ethical issue when he and Libby uncover some dirt on Jack’s opponent. Henry has to choose between his lofty ideals and political reality. He can go back to obscurity and live in the shadow of his grandfather’s legacy, or, he can help create a new one with Jack Stanton lighting the way.
Larry Hagman has one of his most memorable roles in "Primary Colors" as the opponent who lets the spotlight of national attention blind him to common sense. His part is central to the final denouement of Jack’s bid for the party primary. His performance stirred my emotions. I hope he is remembered at all the award ceremonies next year.
Keep an eye out for the final handshake at the end of "Primary Colors". It brings the movie full circle.