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  • Opened March 20, 1998 
  • 2 hr 23 min
  • R | Strong Language and Sexual References

  • Parents: Common Sense Media says Iffy for 14+. More on child suitability

  • 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 (Adrian Lester) is tapped to oversee the presidential campaign of Governor Jack Stanton (John Travolta). 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, (Emma Thompson) and an outspoken adviser, Richard Jemmons (Billy Bob Thornton). Full synopsis

  • Cast: John Travolta, Emma Thompson, Billy Bob Thornton, Kathy Bates, Adrian Lester
  • Director: Mike Nichols
  • Genres: Comedy Drama, Political Satire, Film a Clef, Media Satire

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Critic Reviews

100
Chicago Sun-Times
| Roger Ebert

It's a superb film -- funny, insightful and very wise about the realities of political life. Read full review

100
USA Today
|

Perhaps Nichols and May's greatest accomplishment is capturing perfectly on film the mysterious, complex, compromised relationship the public has with today's political leaders. Read full review

88
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
| Rick Groen

Sophisticated and unsentimental political film. Read full review

75
Chicago Tribune
| Michael Wilmington

It's a winner with flaws. Read full review

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