Primary Colors
“What went down on the way to the top.”
Synopsis
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.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Primary Colors Official Trailer #1 - John Travolta Movie (1998) HD
Type: Trailer • Published 2012-01-10
Top Cast
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John Travolta
Jack Stanton
Emma Thompson
Susan Stanton
Billy Bob Thornton
Richard Jemmons
Adrian Lester
Henry Burton
Maura Tierney
Daisy Green
Paul Guilfoyle
Howard Ferguson
Larry Hagman
Gov. Fred Picker
Kathy Bates
Libby Holden
Diane Ladd
Mamma Stanton
Rebecca Walker
March
Caroline Aaron
Lucille Kaufman
Tommy Hollis
Fat Willie
Rob Reiner
Izzy Rosenblatt
Ben Jones
Arlen Sporken
J.C. Quinn
Uncle Charlie
Allison Janney
Miss Walsh
Robert Klein
Norman Asher
Mykelti Williamson
Dewayne Smith
Release History & Theatrical Window
Cannes Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
March 20, 1998
Wide Cinema Exhibition
April 1, 2000
Physical Home Media
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$65M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$52.1M
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
0.8x
-$12.9M deficit
Theatrical Status
Budget Return
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Mike Nichols
- Screenplay & Story
- Elaine May
- Original Score
- Ry Cooder
- Original Title
- Primary Colors
- Country of Origin
- France, Germany, Japan, United Kingdom, United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 23m
- Production Budget
- $65M
- Worldwide Gross
- $52.1M
- Production Studios
- Universal Pictures, Mutual Film Company, Icarus, Tele München, BBC, TOHO-TOWA, UGC PH
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Mike Nichols
Elaine May, Joe Klein
Ry Cooder
Michael Ballhaus
Arthur Schmidt
Mike Nichols, Jonathan D. Krane, Neil Machlis
Department Leadership Roster
Mike Nichols
Director
Elaine May
Screenplay
Mike Nichols
Producer
Ry Cooder
Original Music Composer
Michael Ballhaus
Director of Photography
Bo Welch
Production Design
Gary Jones
Costume Design
Ann Roth
Costume Design
Arthur Schmidt
Editor
Mark Riccardi
Stunt Coordinator
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Primary Colors.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Frequently Asked Questions About Primary Colors
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Primary Colors about?
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.
Who directed Primary Colors?
Primary Colors was directed by Mike Nichols.
Who stars in Primary Colors?
The principal cast of Primary Colors includes John Travolta, Emma Thompson, Billy Bob Thornton, Adrian Lester, Maura Tierney.
When was Primary Colors released and how long is it?
Primary Colors was released in 1998 with a total runtime of 2h 23m.
What was the box office and production budget of Primary Colors?
Primary Colors had a reported production budget of $65M and grossed $52.1M at the worldwide box office (0.8 return on budget, classified as a underperformed).
Who composed the musical score for Primary Colors?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Primary Colors was composed by Ry Cooder.
Is Primary Colors based on a book or true story?
Primary Colors is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Joe Klein".
What is the age rating and content advisory for Primary Colors?
Primary Colors holds official age classifications: DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); FR: TP; US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).