True Colors

Peter Burton and Tim Garrity first meet after a heated argument in the parking lot of the University of Virginia School of Law. They discover they will be roommates, and their friendship quickly grows into a strong bond narrated by Tim. This early alliance sets the stage for their later political ambitions and betrayals.

Tim, from an affluent family, plans a career with the Department of Justice, a plan that clashes with his girlfriend Diana, daughter of Senator Stiles. Diana ends their relationship before Tim has a chance to propose. Peter begins to chart his own path in politics, manipulating his way onto a congressman's campaign staff.

During a ski vacation, Peter confesses to Tim that he and Diana have been carrying on an affair and reveals his plan to ask Diana to marry him. Tim reacts with anger over the betrayal but the two maintain a fragile friendship. The revelation strains their relationship and foreshadows future conflict.

Tim hesitates to warn Peter, but eventually shouts a warning as they descend a hazardous slope toward a cliff. Peter crashes at the bottom, breaking his leg and cracking two ribs. Tim forgives Peter and even agrees to be the best man at Peter and Diana's wedding.

Shortly after marrying Diana, Peter falls under the influence of John Palmieri, who finances Peter's campaign to gain corrupt influence. The arrangement marks the start of a web of political graft surrounding Peter's rise.

Earlier in the film, Senator Stiles is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease, threatening his political career. Peter manipulates his father-in-law into supporting his run, threatening to leak the illness to the press if he refuses.

Tim, now rising through the ranks of the DOJ, launches an investigation into political corruption that will eventually lead back to Palmieri. Palmieri learns of Tim's pursuit and tries to bully Peter into helping him sidestep scrutiny.

Palmieri bullies Peter into setting Tim up by introducing him to a bogus tipster. Tim reveals the investigation to a reporter, creating public embarrassment for the DOJ and triggering Palmieri's plan.

Tim is suspended from the DOJ after the publicity, and Peter hires him to work on his campaign, keeping a complicated illusion of allegiance. Diana reveals she has filed for divorce as the strain of the scandal deepens.

Tim works diligently to gather evidence of Peter's dealings with Palmieri and the DOJ sets up surveillance in a hotel room. After Peter's victory, Tim tries to pressure him to admit to the shady deals, but Peter becomes suspicious and confronts Tim.

Peter delivers a victory speech before being arrested and charged with political corruption. A few months later, he visits Tim’s apartment with a case of champagne, fulfilling a bet from a New Year’s Eve party years earlier and revealing that he will not be sworn in and has immunity for testimony against Palmieri.

Tim warns that he will be forced to testify if Peter refuses to take the plea, ending with a cautious reconciliation as the two go their separate ways and Peter maintains that his political career isn't completely ruined.