True Colors (1991)

47% of critics liked it
(15 reviews)
47% of users liked it
(4,795 ratings)

John Cusack and James Spader play against type in Kevin Wade's morality play, directed by Herbert Ross. Spader plays Tim Gerrity, a well-heeled WASP blueblood, who has dedicated his life to justice and public service. Engaged to Diana Stiles (Imogene Stubbs), the daughter of a powerful senator… More John Cusack and James Spader play against type in Kevin Wade's morality play, directed by Herbert Ross. Spader plays Tim Gerrity, a well-heeled WASP blueblood, who has dedicated his life to justice and public service. Engaged to Diana Stiles (Imogene Stubbs), the daughter of a powerful senator (Richard Widmark), Tim seems to have a rosy future ahead of him. Enter Peter Burton (John Cusack), Peter's working-class roommate at the University of Virginia. Peter, a ravenous and devouring go-getter, is out to climb the political ladder at any cost. He sees Tim and latches onto him. Their friendship blooms at the university and continues afterwards, with the weak-willed Tim constantly deferring to the antagonistic and aggressive Peter. But they finally come to blows on skis when Tim finds out that Peter has bedded Diana, who has decided to drop Tim for his lack of ambition. When Peter blackmails Senator Stiles to secure a House seat, Tim rouses himself from his lethargy to fight Peter politically. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 51 min.
Directed By: Herbert Ross
Written By: Kevin Wade
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Mar 15, 1991 Wide
On DVD: Aug 20, 2002
Studio: Paramount Home Video

Critic Reviews

Vincent Canby, New York Times
True Colors apparently thinks it is exposing the values of the greedy 1980's. Yet its own understanding of moral conduct is warped.
Rita Kempley, Washington Post
While it aspires to lofty heights, it never really goes much beyond the rules of behavior prescribed by the Boy Scout Handbook.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Requires more than the willing suspension of disbelief; it demands a willful abandonment of incredulity.
Steve Davis, Austin Chronicle
The painstakingly obvious screenplay by Kevin Wade (Working Girl) plays like an eighth-grade civics primer: ethics and morality are good, greed and corruption are bad.
Rob Thomas, Capital Times (Madison, WI)
Diverting political melodrama, but shouldn't Cusack and Spader have switched roles?
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A case study of the dire effects of an individual's lack of ethical standards.
Scott Weinberg, Apollo Guide
Much of the film's entertainment value lies in watching two familiar guys (Cusack and Spader) playing switcheroo with their stock roles, but the movie is more than just effective 'gimmick casting'.

Read all 7 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

This movie has three of my favourite actors: Cusack, Spader, and Widmark. But I only got to see the second half of it on TV one day. It's full of political stuff I don't understand and don't care for, but like I said, I didn't get to see the whole of it. From… More
This movie has three of my favourite actors: Cusack, Spader, and Widmark. But I only got to see the second half of it on TV one day. It's full of political stuff I don't understand and don't care for, but like I said, I didn't get to see the whole of it. From what I saw it's not that good, but I did like seeing three of my favourite stars in a movie together.
♥˩ƳИИ &

John Cusack, James Spader, Imogen Stubbs, Mandy Patinkin, Richard Widmark DIRECTED BY: Herbert Ross Best friends from law school to election night, their friendship is sorely tested when one learns of another's betrayal. It was a good movie with great performances from… More
John Cusack, James Spader, Imogen Stubbs, Mandy Patinkin, Richard Widmark DIRECTED BY: Herbert Ross Best friends from law school to election night, their friendship is sorely tested when one learns of another's betrayal. It was a good movie with great performances from Cusack and Spader. At times I found myself thinking that the roles should be switched around. So use to seeing Spader playing the -excuse the language- asshole, and Cusack playing the good guy. But in the end it worked. It got a little boring at times and seemed to drag a bit in the middle, but the ending was where it got really interesting. Especially the play-out of there friendship. So it's well worth the watch. Or you can watch it for the simple fact that I did. I am a fan of both the leads and it was good seeing them in a movie together.
Conner R

I was really impressed with how good the acting was in this. James Spader and John Cusack really worked well together. I can't believe Cusack actually pulled off being a villain, I always saw him as the nice guy, but he really did well. James Spader also did well as usual, but… More
I was really impressed with how good the acting was in this. James Spader and John Cusack really worked well together. I can't believe Cusack actually pulled off being a villain, I always saw him as the nice guy, but he really did well. James Spader also did well as usual, but also a different character than i'm used to with him.

Cast

            John Cusack as Peter Burton

            James Spader as Tim Garrity

            Imogen Stubbs as Diana Stiles

            Mandy Patinkin as John Palmeri

            Richard Widmark as Senator James B. Stiles

            Dina Merrill as Joan Stiles

            Philip Bosco as Senator Steubens

            Paul Guilfoyle as John Lawry

            Richard G. Adee as Palmeri's First Mate

            Bev Appleton as Professor Houseman

            Steve Aronson as Miami Reporter

            Russell Dennis Baker as Todd

            John Tucker Battle as Burton Campaign Aide

            Sally Beckner as Miami Reporter

            Julian Bell as Anchorman

            Joshua Billings as Justice Department Aide

            Sue Boyd as Senior Supporter

            Donald Campen Jr. as Campaign Aide

            Tony Carlin as Tony

            Timothy Chambers as FBI Agent

            Philip Coccioletti as Carl

            Lisa Cooley as Stile's Secretary

            Kim Criswell as Campus Radical

            O. Dewayne "Bart" Davis as Campaign Reporter

            Ernie Dunn as Campaign Aide

            Tom Ellis as FBI Agent

            Ronnie Farer as Justice Department Agent

            Rhonda Fitzgerald as Justice Secretary

            Tom Sean Foley as Ken

            Mike Fowler as Burton Campaign Aide

            Anthony Fusco as Sam Minot

            Peter Hackes as Dr. Burt Tuck

            R.M. Haley as FBI Agent

            Thomas Hauff as Detective

            Anne H. Hill as Campaign Aide

            Sam Hoffman as B.J.

            Chester Holt as Senior Supporter

            Karen Jablons-Alexander as Store Clerk

            Larry Joshua as David

            Mary Mara as Sophia Palmeri

            Joe Mattys as Tux Shop Owner

            Bruce McCarty as Mark

            Don McManus as Stubblefield

            Mary McMillan as Campaign Reporter

            Steve Morley as Justice Department Aide

            Rende Rae Norman as Fanne

            Wendee Pratt as Janine

            Antonia Rey as Soledad

            Ed Sala as Lackerby Aide

            Brad Sullivan as Abernathy

            Frank Hoyt Taylor as Senator Lackerby

            Sam Wells as Miami Reporter

            Scott Wickware as Detective

            Michael Kennedy as Miami Reporter

            Hank McCann
            
See full cast