Primary Colors
Seen it?1998 | 143 min | Drama, Comedy
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (81% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it drew serious awards attention, though it had a lukewarm 6.2 out of 10 from audiences. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved Wag the Dog or The Ides of March, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Funny with heart.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 23 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
In this adaptation of the best-selling roman à clef about Bill Clinton's 1992 run for the White House, the young and gifted Henry Burton is tapped to oversee the presidential campaign of Governor Jack Stanton. Burton is pulled into the politician's colorful world and looks on as Stanton -- who has a wandering eye that could be his downfall -- contends with his ambitious wife, Susan, and an outspoken adviser, Richard Jemmons.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
81% on Rotten Tomatoes, 70 on Metacritic
- AudiencesBelow par
6.2 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Won 1 SAG Award: Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role. Won 1 BAFTA: British Academy Film Awards: Best Adapted Screenplay. Won 2 Critics' Choice Awards: Critics' Choice Movie Awards: Best Supporting Actor, Critics' Choice Movie Awards: Best Supporting Actress. Also nominated for 2 Oscars, 2 Golden Globes and 1 more BAFTA. Plus 6 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$65 million worldwide on a $65 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 151K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Mike Nichols
- John TravoltaJack Stanton
- Emma ThompsonSusan Stanton
- Billy Bob ThorntonRichard Jemmons
- Adrian LesterHenry Burton
- Maura TierneyDaisy Green
- Paul GuilfoyleHoward Ferguson
- Larry HagmanGov. Fred Picker
- Kathy BatesLibby Holden
- Diane LaddMamma Stanton
- Rebecca WalkerMarch