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.
Acting
Travolta's Clinton impression is uncanny and unnerving.
Writing
Elaine May's script bites harder than most journalism.
Direction
Nichols balances farce and tragedy masterfully.
Director
Mike Nichols
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
Caroline Aaron
Lucille Kaufman
Tommy Hollis
Fat Willie
Rob Reiner
Izzy Rosenblatt
Ben Jones
Arlen Sporken
J.C. Quinn
Uncle Charlie
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The novel's author was journalist Joe Klein, who initially denied writing it anonymously—making the film's themes of hidden identity deliciously meta.
Elaine May came out of semi-retirement to write the screenplay; Nichols later said her draft needed almost no changes, a rarity in Hollywood.
US
