Sex! Scandal! The White House!
Let’s be honest: regardless of what is true or not, recent headlines prove once again that politics is, indeed, a dirty business.
Nothing new, of course – we have a history of scandals in and around the White House, and there have been many great books and films that tell those stories.
Alex and I just re-watched one of the best films about sex and politics!
The “Not Bill Clinton” Biography!
“Primary Colors” is the 1998 film that was based on the novel “Primary Colors: A Novel of Politics”, a roman à clef about Bill Clinton’s first presidential campaign in 1992 – although all the names were changed, it was clearly written about him.
The scandalous political novel was originally published by an Author known as “Anonymous”, but in 1996 was revealed to have been written by journalist Joe Klein, who covered Bill Clinton’s first successful presidential campaign for Newsweek magazine.
The film has an impeccable cast and crew: it was directed by Mike Nichols, who made “The Graduate”, “Catch-22” and many other great films, and it starred John Travolta, who does a great “homage” performance as the Bill Clinton character. Emma Thompson plays Hillary, and the supporting cast of Billy Bob Thornton, Kathy Bates, Maura Tierney, Larry Hagman, and Adrian Lester are all terrific!
Here is the trailer:
Kathy Bates was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as an old family friend who is called in to quash a sex scandal, and the legendary Writer/Director Elaine May was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Cool John Travolta As Jack Stanton, 'primary Colors' – Photos with regard to Primary Colors Movie – Comadre Coloring Site
“Primary Colors” features a terrific performance by John Travolta as a caring, gifted Politician who happens to have a problem with his “caring and warmth”, especially toward women. Emma Thompson does a great job capturing the “Hillary” character – eye on the prize, disgusted by her husband’s infidelities. A great political film.
With the current controversies in The White House, I am reminded of an earlier scandal involving our President…well, more accurately, America’s “horniest” Commander-In-Chief!
Remember “Horndog” Harding?
“It’s a good thing I’m not a woman. I would always be pregnant. I can’t say no!”
Those were the actual words of America’s 29th President – the smug White House Sex Stud known as Warren G. Harding!
His administration was roiled by sex scandals – and there is a great book that tells the sordid story – you can see it here:
Of course, the scandals go far beyond the White House:
“This Town” tells the story of just how broken our political system is right now – a great look at power and politics in the nation’s capital – check it out here:
Let me know what you think of “Primary Colors”!