Primary Colors

Based on Joe Klein's anonymously published, thinly disguised account of Bill Clinton's 1992 presidential campaign, Mike Nichols' outstanding political drama paints a candid, all-too-familiar picture of the dirty dealings of modern politics.

John Travolta is perfectly cast as the deliberately Clintonesque Southern states governor Jack Stanton - a clear-eyed, charismatic charmer with a weakness for doughnuts and women.

Adapted for the screen by Nichols' longtime collaborator Elaine May, the script wisely makes no judgment upon Stanton and refuses to condemn him. He is flawed, yes, but is also a force for good in many ways.

As Stanton's intelligent, loyal and long-suffering wife Susan, Emma Thompson is excellent; as is Adrian Lester as Henry Burton, the grandson of a famous civil rights activist and newest recruit to the Stanton campaign.

Seamlessly combining the comedy and tragedy of political life - with its painful compromises and gradually eroding idealism - this is funny, moving and totally compelling viewing.