Hollywood role in Primary Colors

In the film Primary Colors, Emma Thompson portrayed a character inspired by Hillary Clinton, named Susan, who is depicted as an ambitious and long-suffering wife navigating the complexities of her husband's infidelity. The film, directed by Mike Nichols and starring John Travolta, received critical acclaim for its performances and storytelling, although it ultimately did not perform well at the box office. Thompson's portrayal was particularly noted for its authenticity, with critics like Kevin O'Sullivan from the Daily Mirror highlighting the impact of her performance and accent on American audiences. This role significantly raised her profile in Hollywood, leading to increased interest from top producers for future projects. However, despite the opportunities that arose, Thompson chose to decline many offers, citing concerns about the lifestyle associated with Hollywood, including the need for security and the pressures of living in Los Angeles. She expressed feelings of fatigue and disillusionment with the film industry, which ultimately influenced her decision to take a break from acting for a year. Following Primary Colors, she appeared in the film Judas Kiss, where she played an FBI agent alongside Alan Rickman, but this project did not receive the same level of acclaim as her previous work.