By – Gareth Jones

For fans of Elaine May and Mike Nichols, political humor and satire, Kathy Bates

I recently finished the fantastic biography, Elaine May Does Not Exist, and have been rewatching her films including those that she wrote the screenplay for.  Elaine May is one of the greatest minds of the last century.  Her collaborations with Mike Nichols at the start of their careers helped shape and form improv comedy and her influence is still seen over and over.  After their dissolution as a team, she went on to direct four incredible films, as well as writing many screenplays, most unofficially. She reteamed with Nichols in the 90’s to write two films. I was particularly excited to revisit Primary Colors as it was from an era when my political ideas were still developing, and needless to say, we are experiencing a particularly challenging era of politics right now. The film is an adaptation of the roman a clef by Anonymous, although it was later revealed to be by Joe Klein, a Newsweek reporter embedded with the Clintons during their first presidential run in 1992.  He was witness to the grit, grime, and slime of that campaign, and that is reflected in the film as well.  The film follows the campaign in a similar manner but also questions the ethics and mendacity of modern politics.

The film follows a young, black, political advisor, Henry Burton, who is recruited and wrapped up in the campaign of Governor Stanton. Burton is the equivalent of George Stephanopoulos.  He is played by British theater actor Adrian Lester, and this was his first film.  He is excellent, and his lack of recognizability is crucial for the relatability of the character.  He is brought into the campaign as they are preparing for the Democratic primary, and Stanton is still an unknown quantity to the American public.  John Travolta is fantastic in this role, bringing his own charisma and complexity to the performance.  At times, he is imitating Bill Clinton, but most of the time he is inhabiting the role, creating an intriguing amalgam of Clinton and other politicians who have had controversial moments.  He is joined in this role by the always amazing Emma Thompson as Susan Stanton, echoing some of her Love Actually performance whilst also developing a complex figure worthy of the model of Hillary Clinton.

However, the best performance of the film is by Kathy Bates, whose Oscar-nominated performance as Libby Holden (Stanton’s former chief of staff who is recruited to suppress any controversies)  will stick with you long after the viewing.  Her character is a combination of Betsy Wright (Clinton’s Chief of Staff) who coined the phrase “bimbo eruptions” and Vince Foster.  She has some of the most memorable Elaine May comedic lines in the film, but Bates also brings such an incredible level of pathos to her performance that we are left in tears often after her moments on screen.  She represents the last lingering hopes that we have in our politicians.  Other great performances are given by Billy Bob Thornton as James Carville-like Richard Jennings and Maura Tierney as Daisy Green.  They are a nice balance against the other characters who still believe in the system.  They are professionals.

After years of not working together but still remaining friends, this was the second collaboration between Mike Nichols and Elaine May after the success of The Birdcage. Their incredible careers began together and it is a fitting finale for their work.  It is not the best work that they have done, but it is wonderful to see how the genius of Elaine May could still shine. It is also amazing to watch this film after 26 years and compare it to the political world that exists today.  It is not unlike looking back at Mr.Smith Goes to Washington. A time capsule of an era gone by.

Available to rent on Amazon Prime