Watch True Colors

True Colors is a 1991 American drama film directed by Herbert Ross and starring John Cusack and James Spader. The film follows two ambitious young lawyers, Peter Burton and Tim Gerrity, who have just graduated from law school and are starting their careers at a prestigious law firm in Washington, D.C. Peter is the more reserved and responsible of the two, while Tim is the more charismatic and ambitious. At the firm, they are both assigned to work for the ruthless senior partner, John Palmeri, who quickly becomes a mentor figure for Tim, while Peter struggles to keep up.

As they work on various cases, the two friends begin to take different paths, with Tim becoming more concerned with his own career advancement and status, while Peter becomes more focused on the ethical and moral implications of the cases they are working on. This leads to tension and conflict between the two, as Tim starts to manipulate and use people to get ahead, while Peter tries to do what he believes is right.

Along the way, they both become involved in a high-profile sexual harassment case involving a powerful politician and a young woman who works for him. As they navigate the case, they each face tough decisions about where their loyalties lie and what they are willing to do to win.

True Colors explores themes of ambition, morality, and the corrupting nature of power. The film also touches on issues such as sexual harassment, gender inequality, and the double standards that exist in the legal profession.

The performances by Cusack and Spader are both strong, with Cusack bringing a sense of nuance and depth to his portrayal of Peter, while Spader is magnetic as the charismatic but ultimately flawed Tim. The supporting cast, including Imogen Stubbs, Mandy Patinkin, and Richard Widmark, all deliver solid performances as well.

Director Herbert Ross, known for his work on films such as Footloose and Steel Magnolias, brings a steady hand to the proceedings, allowing the story and characters to take center stage. The script, written by Kevin Wade, is smart and well-crafted, with enough twists and turns to keep the viewer engaged.

Overall, True Colors is a thought-provoking and engaging drama that explores complex issues with intelligence and insight. While it may not be as well-known as some of the other legal dramas of the era, such as A Few Good Men or The Firm, it is certainly worth watching for those who enjoy films that challenge their assumptions and make them think.

True Colors is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 9 minutes.