Film Review: True Colors

Summary:

True Colors is a very good drama of friendship and betrayal, a testament to how power is the be all and end all for some people and how easy it is for family and friends to be swept aside when one is completely driven towards an ultimate goal.

More DetailsAbout True Colors (1991)Two law school roommates, Peter (John Cusak) and Tim (James Spader), each go in different directions: Tim gets a job as a public prosecutor while Peter enters the sleazy world of politics, using creative financing and blackmail to run for a congressional seat. His attempt to use Tim backfires as Tim begins to investigate his old friend. Also starring Imogen Stubbs.

Starring: John Cusack, James Spader, Imogen Stubbs, Mandy Patinkin, Richard Widmark

Directed by: Herbert Ross

Runtime: 111 minutes

Studio: Paramount

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Review: True Colors

Herbert Ross’ True Colors explores a close friendship between Peter Burton (John Cusack) and Tim Gerrity (James Spader), which begins in conflict before the two men become best friends only for the actions of one of them to later drive an irreparable gulf between them. Peter and Tim first meet through college when they crash into one another in a car park. After a fierce exchange they discover they are roommates and despite Peter blaming Tim for the accident, he comes clean and admits it was his fault. A friendship is formed but it undergoes many tests beginning with Tim’s girlfriend, Diana Stiles (Imogen Stubbs).

While Tim and Diana have a seemingly solid relationship, there are cracks due to her being a Senator’s daughter and wanting him to pursue a more lucrative career than being an attorney. While Tim is away, Diana and Peter become closer and he is a more attractive prospect heading into the world of politics. Tim and Peter’s friendship somehow survives this setback, even when Peter and Diana marry, but Peter is now in a strong position and has power in mind for himself. When it comes to the crunch he gains the support of the corrupt John Palmeri (Mandy Patinkin) who agrees to fund Peter’s campaign for election but at a price that will affect Tim. Can Peter go through with it?

Prior to starting this film, I assumed James Spader would be the villain of the piece but it is very much John Cusack who is the bad guy. Although he starts as a sympathetic character, spending Christmas Day alone at college, he very soon descends into self-interest and personal gain to the detriment of those closest to him. Cusack and Spader make a great pairing and are well supported by the likes of Stubbs and Patinkin, who unfortunately doesn’t utter one of his Inigo Montoya lines from The Princess Bride. Had he done so, this would have been a 5 star film.

True Colors is a very good drama of friendship and betrayal, a testament to how power is the be all and end all for some people and how easy it is for family and friends to be swept aside when one is completely driven towards an ultimate goal. Peter’s pursuit of power and glory is a damaging path not just to his friends and family but to himself.

Verdict: 4/5

(Film source: reviewer’s own copy)