"True Colors" tells of two male law school student who are best friends with contrasting integrity which leads to conflict. Spader plays straight man to Cusack's fast-track-to-success character who uses manipulation and ruthlessness on his way to a congressional seat. This yuppie-flavored flick is obvious in the way it presents it's "Ethics 101" plot but the story moves quickly and is sufficiently interesting to make it worth a look. An okay diversion for channel surfers interested in a film about two men from opposite sides of the tracks with enduring friendship fraught with conflict and moral issues.
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=G=17 November 2001
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from Dane Youssef
The Brat Pack actors are certainly a talented bunch. Everyone has a favorite. For me, it's a toss-up between James Spader and Anthony Michael Hall.
John Cusack was mesmerizing back in his early-days. He was a teenager, but he looked, sounded and acted very adult for his age. "The Sure Thing" put him on the map and "Say Anything..." made him a household name.
But while Crowe's "Say Anything..." was obviously a great movie, it was both a blessing and a curse for Cusack, who has rarely played anything else in his career. I know, I know. He's been in countless other movies. But "a rose by any other name..." His character, no matter what the movie, is essentially always Lloyd Dobbler.
Spader sometimes played other types besides the oily Steff from "Pretty in Pink." His typecast-breaking turn came when he played the lead in this movie.
But I know Cusack can do more. I keep waiting for him to. Which was one of my guilty pleasures of this movie.
The story and plot are the right out of the old fable about the rich man and the poor man who come together and create something special... and then the rich man betrays the poor man and casts him aside. And the poor man plots to take revenge...
Another big twist that "True Colors" has is it's twist in typecasting. Cusack specializes in playing sharp, calculated, smarter-than-average teenager... who's heartbroken and devastated... and is desperately trying to win back the girl. Here, Cusack plays a character who's as smart as the heroes he usually plays, though here he uses his intellectual gifts for evil instead of good. His goal is usually to win the girl's heart. Here he betrays the girl (and his close friend) in order to get what he wants.
And Spader usually plays blue-blooded, silver-spoon fed, upper-class yuppie scummy villains. Here he's still a rich blue-blooded yuppie. But a hero, who uses his financial connections to right wrongs and do just.
The two meet the first day of law school where there's a fender-bender and brief scuffle. Cusack angrily attacks Spader violently and blames him for the whole thing and the two have to be pulled apart. Later on, things get worse as they discover... their assigned to be roommates. Cusack smooths things over by admitting the whole thing was his fault. You'll see why.
Afterwords, the two form a fast friendship and Spader even uses his financial backgrounds and connections to help Cusack out. Later we find out that Cusack is lying about his background to fit in and the payoff feels lifted out of a soppy, moralizing and insipid sit-com where today's moral is... "If you have to be someone else to get a friend, then they're really not your friend."
Richard Widmark is great as well as the ailing senator who sees potential and ambition in Cusack after he sees what looks like Cusack doing him a favor, little realizing how dangerous Cusack is. Spader girlfriend considers breaking off the relationship for Cusack who can keep her bringing in big cash. She doesn't realize that Cusack is willing to betray her too, in order to get what he wants.
One of the major problems is that their true colors are obvious from the beginning. Cusack is clearly someone not to trust from the start and Spader all but actually walks on water. Another is that the movie is too thin. There isn't enough entry.
The movie... skims too much of the surface. And Spader's big plan and the finale is pretty tacked on.
The movie aspires to be a movie like "Patriot Games" or "Citizen Kane." But everything is routine and predictable and there are precious few new touches to this tired formula. If screenwriter Kevin Wade could've given the script a bit more depth and discovery into these characters and done a little more with the formula, this could have really been something special. The cast does what it can, but inevitably, a good cast can only take a movie so far. Still, it's worth seeing just for Cusack turn towards the dark side and Spader as a yuppie with heart.
Oh, well...
--Filled With Personal Politics, Dane Youssef -
DICK STEEL2 January 2006This should be my "John Cusack" holiday weekend, with 2 DVDs rented starring the actor. Earlier, I had reviewed one of his earlier works when he was a teenager - Better Off Dead, and here, I'd think it probably is his first role as a slimeball.
John Cusack and James Spader (Sex, Lies and Videotape) play two friends, Peter Burton and Tim Gerrity, from Law School, and chronicles their friendship. They hit it off from a small automobile accident (pardon the pun), and progressed from minor adversaries, to best of friends. Until Peter's ambition gets the better of him, as he aims to become Congressman in 10 years.
From the start, we see a flip side to Peter's goody-two-shoes character. He always has something to hide, and has an ulterior motive to things that he does. He tells little white lies to get his way, and has a siege mentality that it's always him versus Them. He gets envious of Tim's seemingly good life, and coverts Tim's girlfriend Diana, who is the daughter of a Senator. And thus begins the Kane and Abel like story, of betrayals, and counter betrayals between the two men.
Peter gets involved with the mob in his bid to become elected, while Tim, working for the Justice Department, volunteers himself to get the dirt on Peter. It's always about the girl, or is it? And as Tim puts it aptly, only somebody close to you, can do the most damage. They know your secrets, and best of all, they have your trust. It's true though, if you think carefully about it, the best person to ruin you (reputation, etc), is none other than the person you trust the most. Again, looking at the two characters, there is no right or wrong, it all depends on the methods one uses to achieve one's goals.
It's also an interesting look at the shady dealings of politics, of allegiances made because of donations or help to campaign funding, of owing favors to those who voted in favor of you. Things are never that simple, and the mantra shared by both characters are, so long as you don't get caught.
John Cusack has got this charismatic charm, and in this film, uses it well as he seeks to become a politician (you have to have charisma as you deliver those speeches). James Spader too holds his own, as the naive Tim, who slowly discovers betrayal, and decides to turn the tables against the hunter. Fans of John Cusack, you must catch this! Code 1 DVD is the bare bones version, aside from the usual audio and scene selections. -
RBB2 March 1999During the summer of 1992, when I was just a young lad of 19, my friend's mother rented TRUE COLORS, and, while I was over, she told me that she already saw the movie and that I should watch it because she thought I would like it. TRUE COLORS changed my life. After watching the movie I got pumped up to go to law school and I am now attending NEW YORK LAW SCHOOL. The movie has intelligent characters, a deep plot, and a powerful message. This movie is not like the tripe that Hollywood is pumping out on a daily basis today, but it is more like the classic filmnoir movies of the 1940's. This movie demonstrates that the lust for power, if unchecked, corrupts. That following Christmas my friend's family gave me TRUE COLORS as a Christmas gift. I still have it and watch it maybe around twice every few months to remind myself why I am in law school. Other movies that I recommend include: THE FIRM, FALLING DOWN, SCARFACE, and 8mm.
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pc9522 July 2013For cinema in general, even if a story is derivative or clichéd, good writing can sometimes bolster an average or even sub-par story. Take director Herbert Ross's "True Colors" staring 2 young and talented actors of that 1991 year, John Cusack and James Spader. You can sniff out the storyline from a mile away. It lacked surprise and is utterly predictable. Even so, it doesn't matter because despite this, the filmmakers and actors keep it interesting with good lead and supporting performances, and fairly good dialog and acting. Top punchline in dialog was the saying about "morning dew" - if you see the movie you'll know. Still, there is some cheese on sound in the stodgy old 90s era Jazz background, and the 80s materialism and hairdos. Overall though I liked Spader and especially Cusack who were a great pairing and full of energy. Good Movie - 7/10 Recommended.
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SnoopyStyle8 September 2016Peter Burton (John Cusack) and Tim Garrity (James Spader) are waiting for Peter's congressional election results. The movie flashes back to University of Virginia Law School where the two best friend first met in a fender bender. Tim is from a rich family and plans to pursue a career in justice. His girlfriend Diana (Imogen Stubbs), the daughter of Senator Stiles (Richard Widmark), breaks up with him. Peter is ambitious and amoral social climber coming from a poor background. He had an affair with Diana and even marries her. Despite that, Tim stays as Peter's best man. Peter's rise in politics involve mob-connected John Palmieri (Mandy Patinkin) putting him in direct conflict with Tim who joined the Justice Department.
These are two of the best actors of their age. They do their utmost but the story unfolds with a series of plot points. Concentrating on Peter Burton could have made this an interesting dark movie. This has the feel of a Brat Pack movie trying to do politics although the guys bring it. This film is unable to build tension and lacks the intensity that it deserves. -
HotToastyRag17 October 2022When you see the cast list of True Colors, it's understandable that you'd guess John Cusack would be the innocent, truth-seeking law student who gets betrayed by his less-than-honorable friend James Spader. James usually takes the creepy, odd characters in his movies - versus the stereo-wielding romantic lead. Instead, it's a role reversal. James is the privileged law student who wants to make the country a better place after graduation. John comes from the wrong side of the tracks, and he tries to make up for his upbringing by lying, charming, and ingratiating his way into high society. In one early scene, he slashes a senator's tires (privately) then offers him the use of his own car to ensure a favor down the road. James is offended by his friend's behavior, but John thinks it's a necessary means to an end.
And that's just the beginning - neither of these boys are going to be content to stand still while the political realm of Washington bustling all around them. James's girlfriend, Imogen Stubbs, is both wealthy and connected: her father, Richard Widmark, is a senator. It's understood that James will want to follow in the honorable politician's footsteps, but when John gets a job as an aide, he's anxious to gain more power, no matter what he has to do to get it.
I can't imagine why this movie bombed at the box office. It's very enjoyable, especially for fans of political dramas. The acting is good, the story keeps you interested, and the plot is timeless. I really feel bad for those involved that it was so unsuccessful, especially Richard Widmark. It was his last movie, but I hope he just coincidentally chose to retire, rather than being disappointed by the ticket sales. I would absolutely watch this movie again, especially with some old cronies from my political science days at college. If you haven't seen this one yet, or you were avoiding it because of the negative reviews, think again. It's fast-paced, full of twists, and politically realistic. Plus, it's the only movie where you'll get to hear Richard Widmark use the f-word.
DLM Warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie might not be your friend. The very first 2 minutes of the movie uses camera angles that tilt from side to side continuously, and that will make you sick. In other words, "Don't Look, Mom!" -
Rumples16 May 1999Ok, this was no classic and, judging by the number of votes it has attracted (or NOT attracted), not too many people know about it. Somewhat entertaining without being particularly interesting. Neither of the lead characters are close to their best but the whole thing has just too little going for it. Pity, it wasn't a terrible premise. 6/10 is about right for this film.
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shanayneigh17 March 2021It was an OK movie, but it could have been better. I don't know why they rushed through the investigation portion of the plot in a scene or two when things started to get interesting. Still, a decent movie if you can find it on your streaming service.
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MBunge6 January 2011This middling little movie is about a lot of things. Friendship, politics, betrayal, ambition, classism and idealism are just a few. What it is about more than anything else, however, is how its two main characters are totally not gay.
Peter Burton and Tim Gerrity (John Cusack and James Spader) start out as law school roommates. Peter is a charismatic young man on the move, reinventing himself as he goes, while Tim is the sort of doggedly earnest do-gooder who disdains things like money and power the way only a rich man's son can. Diana (Imogen Stubbs) is the Senator's daughter who comes between them. She starts out with Tim but grows weary of his desire for the small life and transfers her attentions to Peter and his big dreams. And the fact that both guys get involved with the same girl proves they are totally not gay.
Eventually Tim ends up in the Department of Justice and Peter joins the staff of Diana's father (Richard Widmark), angling constantly for his own advancement. Always ready to cut corners, Peter gets a shady developer to bankroll his run for Congress. Always full of integrity, Tim sets himself the task of taking down his old friend. And remember, they are totally not gay.
In most respects, True Colors is a fair piece of work. It's take on political and personal corruption is simultaneously a little naïve and melodramatic, but Cusack and Spader overcome that by giving you an early look at how they'd become such magnetic performers. Richard Widmark brings a little old Hollywood style to things and Mandy Patinkin glimmers as sleek, worldly temptation. Yeah, the story never gets much beyond a superficial level. However, it looks good, sounds good and moves along at a nice clip. This is some professionally constructed entertainment.
And did I mention that Peter Burton and Tim Gerrity are totally not gay? Yes, they clearly care far more about each other than either did about Diana. Sure, they hang out together and vacation together and trust each other more than anyone else in the world. And of course, the film's big emotional climax sees them rolling around on the floor in each other's arms. But they are totally not gay.
Seriously.
Not gay.
At all.
Really. -
steveha4 January 2004True 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. -
teaguetod2 February 2015I love good political movies. And I can see what they're trying to do with 'True Colors.' It's definitely ambitious, I'll give you that. But ultimately, I felt like this film just couldn't pull it off.
The writing and dialogue were incredibly contrived. I mean, some of Ibsen's dialogue feels more natural than this. Also, every scene was a distracting and incredibly bizarre set piece, which they pretended to include in some casual, off-hand way, as if to suggest what rich and powerful people do with their free time: from a skiing holiday, to schmoozing with politicos at Super Bowl XXIII in Miami, to sport fishing off the back of a yacht. It felt like they were just plucking ideas from old episodes of that ridiculous show 'Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.' I'm surprised they didn't throw in a scene with characters chatting while on an African big-game safari in Tanzania.
Even though I love both actors, at their young ages in these roles Cusack and Spader were playing above their weight class. They looked more like little boys playing dress-up and pretending to be adults.
Imogen Coot or Stubble or Stubbly or Whatever was *horrible*. Her 'American' accent was literally all over the place, to the point that they had to add a line about boarding school in England to try to excuse it. Her 'acting' was atrocious.
The only thing that kept me mildly intrigued were the oodles of homoerotic overtones (whether intentional or not) that seemed to pop up in so many scenes between Cusack and Spader. The writers apparently didn't know how to show us that these guys were really close friends, and they ended up writing scenes that just look incredibly embarrassing today. (Unless they included the whole secret gay subtext on purpose.)
Someone on the message boards jokingly labeled this movie 'Brokeback Capitol!' (Hahahaha!) -- I *wish*. Just take Imogen Idiot out of the middle of it, and let our two young heroes struggle with their secret love affair vs. their conflicting political ambitions. *That* actually would have been a better movie.
Finally, it's a little sad that this was the final role of the great Richard Widmark. At least we know that when he got to yell at young James Spader for being such a cocky little sunnabitch, he probably didn't have to work too hard at it. -
bkoganbing23 February 2005This is one of the finest political movies ever done. And if he doesn't decide to return to the screen post his 90th birthday, it is a fitting swan song to the career of Richard Widmark.
James Spader's Tim Gerrity and John Cusack's Peter Burton meet on the first day of law school and get assigned to be roommates. The film follows the career paths each take, the same woman they both are involved with and the values each takes from his background and develops along the way.
Spader is the idealistic upper middle class kid who is born to a tradition of public service and attracted by the idealism of it. He's good in his part, but it's John Cusack's portrayal that really drives this film.
Driven is the word for it, that is exactly what Peter Burton is. He's from a lower middle class background and he's desperate to escape. In fact, he's invented a background for himself that's phony and the scene where that is revealed is one of the movie's high points. I will not say any more.
I've known a few Peter Burtons in my time too. Desperate to succeed at any price, willing to sacrifice friends and family to do it. It's what makes John Cusack's performance so real for me. I think it is the finest thing he's ever done on film.
Richard Widmark plays United States Senator Joseph Stiles, a Yankee blue blood type to the manor born. Harry Carey, Jr., in his memoir, In the Company of Heroes described Widmark as one of the smartest and most literate men he's ever encountered, a man able to talk intelligently on a variety of subjects. Because of that, I have to believe that this role must have been a personal favorite.
The best scene in the movie is when Cusack, who Widmark has made a protégé of, essentially blackmails Widmark into supporting Cusack for an open Congressional seat. Widmark is a politician and one who has he himself describes can play hardball if needed. But he's also there to try and do some good. He has to give into the blackmail for reasons I won't go into, but he does rip open the character of Cusack in some unforgettable dialog.
I would also commend to other actors in this. Mandy Patinkin who plays an unscrupulous businessman/racketeer with an understated malevolence and Paul Guilfoyle who is Widmark's chief of staff, who has Cusack's number, but is unable to do anything about it.
I'm surprised that no Oscar nods came with this film, especially for Widmark as a supporting actor. I couldn't give this film a higher recommendation. -
jukebox-224 March 2000How do politicians become so corrupt? This film explores one pathway: ambitious young man willing to bend the law, take opportunities (or make them) as they come, sacrifice friendship, invent the facts to suit the occasion etc.
This time, however, we have the pleasure of seeing some accountability - too bad it doesn't happen more often.
Well acted, well directed. I gave it 8. -
christian74-3227522 June 2015It's odd how some movies really resonate with you as individual but do not necessarily have mass appeal. I think this is a sleeper, not many people have seen it. This is one of my favourites & a movie I go back to from time to time. It's a real journey, picking Spader & Cusack's characters up as they commence college like & following them for the next 10 years or so into there respective careers & personal lives.
While both are high achievers; Spader comes from a successful wealthy family & Cusack from a modest working class back ground. Consequently there attitudes & what drives them is completely different. I found exploring both characters fascinating as there relationship is put under enormous strain.
It's set from 1984 onwards so if you enjoy being nostalgic over that capitalistic age, & enjoyed the brat pack movies, this will help. Also an excellent score by Michael Lang called fanfare. Hope you enjoyed it like it did. -
Faizel27 July 1999I found this movie very entertaining because the character played by John Cusack is somewhat of a tragic hero. Are his actions planned or instinctive? I just wonder whether the title refers to his character or to the one played by Jame Spader. Overall, the movie has a good message and always holds the viewers attention.
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VCRanger10 June 1999True Colors is a good movie with excellent performances by all actors involved. A very good screenplay also helps this movie, which is not very well known. It is worth the rental just to watch Cusack and Spader together. A rating of 8 out of 10 was given.
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DTL16 October 2001True Colors is certainly not a classic, but it is worth a look, Having seen it years ago I have always considered it one of those mini discoveries. A little film that I enjoyed that most people were not aware of. Viewing it now I still enjoyed the relationship between Cusak and Spader. We all know that politicians are scum and that the government is always at work for US, so NOTHING about this film or the morals of the people in it should surprise. What is a bit amusing is the fact that the film makers wish us to believe that Spader and the Justice Department have integrity. This is quite laughable.
My advice is to enjoy the concept and the journey these people take to achieve power. -
thebeez5326 October 2020I am a fan of both and watched this for the first time today. How did I miss this? Spader is always good. I can watch him in anything. Thinking about entering politics? Watch this movie, and I hope you don't. Worth noting: I spied a very young John Slattery; the scene where they are at a restaurant just after getting to Washington, DC. Mr. Slattery didn't want or perhaps didn't get a credit for the film, but he's there, sans white hair of course. Well done look at friendship, politics and one's moral compass.
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The story begins with Peter (John Cusack) and Tim (James Spader) meeting when they begin law school. Their initial meeting goes very badly but the two soon end up being very close friends. But the pair are VERY mismatched. Tim comes from privilege and is dating a Senator's daughter. He is an idealist who hopes for a career at the Justice Department where he can right wrongs and serve the people. As for Peter, he's very different. He comes from a poor background but is a VERY determined guy. He hopes to be a Washington power broker no matter what the cost...and he's an incredibly amoral guy with little, if any, moral center. Because of this, he'd make the perfect politician! However, it seems very unlikely the two can ever stay friends...and as the film progresses, their relationship, naturally, becomes very strained. What's next for the pair?
As you watch the film, although it's interesting, it's also difficult to like Cusack's character in any way. At first, he just seems eager but over time it's obvious he's just a bad person. As for Spader's character, he's someone you will likely find yourself pulling for through the course of the story. But, regardless, it does offer a couple compelling character studies.
Overall, this is a very interesting story that is never dull. Also, it seems like Cusack's character is pretty typical of his type...which makes the story very compelling. -
Petey-1011 March 2008John Cusack and James Spader are the leading men in this 1991 drama.True Colors tells about two friends Peter Burton (Cusack) and Tim Garrity (Spader).The movie starts with them waiting for the results of the congressional election.Then the movie goes seven years back to the year 1983 at the law school and shows us how they became friends.Then we learn how Peter betrays his best friend when he enters the world of politics.This Herbert Ross movie is fairly good law movie.John Cusack at his younger years gets to show his talent.It's pretty unbelievable to watch his speech at the end.And James Spader is just as good.Another great scene is where these two are skiing down the hill and Peter hurts himself.Imogen Stubbs plays Diana Stiles who talks about marriage with Tim but ends up marrying Peter.Mandy Patinkin plays the true crook John Palmeri.Richard Widmark is Senator James Stiles.Dina Merrill is Joan Stiles.Philip Bosco is Senator Frank Steubens.True Colors is a good movie.It's not a great movie, but it's a good movie.
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True Colors is an alright movie- like a diversion and would seem cheesy by today's standards. These films were so common in the time it was made you can call it a product of its time. John Cusack and James Spader play friends from opposite sides of the street- one rich the other poor. Cusack is good as the scheming friend with an ulterior motive and the film never really becomes too saccharine. A good afternoon diversion but there is other Cusack or Spader movie you can consider if you want to watch their work.
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John Cusack is one of my favorite actors of all time, and James Spader has some talent as well, but this movie, from the "shoot-me-in-the-head-before-I-vomit-my-brains-out" opening theme, through the first half hour (which was all I could stand, and I sat through "Hunk" when it came out in the theater), was one huuuuuuge disappointment.