Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
John Cusack | ... | Peter Burton | |
James Spader | ... | Tim Gerrity | |
Imogen Stubbs | ... | Diana Stiles | |
Mandy Patinkin | ... | John Palmeri | |
Richard Widmark | ... | Sen. James Stiles | |
Dina Merrill | ... | Joan Stiles | |
Philip Bosco | ... | Sen. Frank Steubens | |
Paul Guilfoyle | ... | John Laury | |
Brad Sullivan | ... | FBI Agent Abernathy | |
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Russell Dennis Baker | ... | Todd |
Don McManus | ... | Doug Stubblefield | |
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Karen Jablons-Alexander | ... | Store Clerk |
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Wendee Pratt | ... | Janine |
Rende Rae Norman | ... | Fanne | |
Frank Hoyt Taylor | ... | Sen. Lockerby |
Peter and Tim are both law students looking to get into the battleground of politics in Washington, but they both have different ideals and ethics. Tim wants to pursue a career in justice, but Peter is determined to be a big political power broker any way he can, even if that means bending the rules. As their careers push them towards political opposites, their friendship must constantly adapt to the new situation. Written by Murray Chapman <muzzle@cs.uq.oz.au>
True Colors is an intelligently plotted drama that never insults your intelligence. John Cusack is excellent as Peter Burton, a man with an amazing knack to manipulate people. James Spader is also excellent as Tim Gerrity, who becomes Burton's best friend. Not a moment of this movie is wasted, nor a single line of dialog. We see Burton advance his political career by hook and by crook. We see Gerrity's idealism tested. And we see how Burton's choices cost him in the end.
The plot would not work if Cusack weren't so convincing. His Burton is so good at talking people into things, he can even talk himself into doing things he knows are wrong, dangerous, or both. While Cusack is at the center, all of the performances are solid; at no point did I focus on the acting instead of the story. The movie grabbed my attention and didn't let go.
I give this drama my highest recommendation.