Henry Burton (Adrian Lester) is the grandson of a civil rights leader. He is brought in as the body man for Governor Jack Stanton (John Travolta) as he runs for the democratic nomination for president. It's a small campaign at the beginning. He has a complicated relationships with his wife Susan Stanton (Emma Thompson). Jack is a womanizer and an exceedingly friendly guy. Inappropriate southerner Richard Jemmons (Billy Bob Thornton) and Daisy Green (Maura Tierney) are the strategists. Henry wants politics to make a difference and is won over by Burton who may actually win. They hire the unstable Libby Holden (Kathy Bates) who was Jack's former chief of staff to research all the hidden skeletons. Then a sex scandal erupts.
Based on Joe Klein's book on the Clinton campaign, this has the feel of ripped-from-the-headlines story. That has its own charm and its own pitfalls. It can feel at times like a TV movie about the presidential campaign with them playing very recognizable characters. It also has the feel of authenticity. The performances are terrific anchored by Travolta, Billy Bob and Thompson. Although Henry Burton needs to be a more central compelling character. He not only has to represent the audience but he needs to react to Jack. The audience has to feel the reaction. Jack has to raise up Henry and then break his heart. Burton is a bit too bland of a character in a world of sharp compelling characters.
Based on Joe Klein's book on the Clinton campaign, this has the feel of ripped-from-the-headlines story. That has its own charm and its own pitfalls. It can feel at times like a TV movie about the presidential campaign with them playing very recognizable characters. It also has the feel of authenticity. The performances are terrific anchored by Travolta, Billy Bob and Thompson. Although Henry Burton needs to be a more central compelling character. He not only has to represent the audience but he needs to react to Jack. The audience has to feel the reaction. Jack has to raise up Henry and then break his heart. Burton is a bit too bland of a character in a world of sharp compelling characters.