Absence of Malice

Starring: Paul Newman, Sally Field, Bob Balaban, Melinda Dillon, Wilford Brimley
Directed by: Sydney Pollack
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama, Thriller, Romance
1981

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A Miami reporter (Sally Field) publishes a story that may or may not be true about a local businessman (Paul Newman) who may know what happened in a murder investigation. This brings her into a web of deception and lies, as she searches to tell the truth.

Review:

Tim: Absence of Malice is a very good movie about newspapers and reporters, about the ethical considerations they must make in the course of the job, and it is about the search for the truth, and how sometimes something untrue can be accurate. While I watched this movie, it made me sad to think that they won't make movies like this anymore. Newspaper reporters are an endangered species, and their influence on America seems to be at an all-time low. The 24 hour news networks and the internet changed all that. I'm not opposed to this per se, but I do lament the loss of the great newspaper movies (for example, the terrific All the President's Men).

I really believe this movie has been overlooked and forgotten in recent years. It was nominated for 3 Academy Awards, and in a different year, with different competition, might have won some. The movie features very strong performances by Paul Newman and Sally Field. These two acting heavyweights are a great pair, and work well with each other. I've always been a fan of Field- she gives such strong, willful performances. Newman is terrific here, as always. I was impressed with how effortless the performance appeared. It was easy for me to dismiss his performance because it never actually felt like he was acting. He's truly one of the greatest actors of all time, and he showed that here. I also have to mention Wilford Brimley, who gives a scene-stealing, unforgettable performance near the end. It's too bad his screen time was so short, because he was the best part of the entire film.

Much of this movie's success is due to director Sydney Pollack. Pollack has directed some excellent films, and while this is not his best film, it is still a competently directed, solid film. He knows how to get the best out of his cast, and he does that again here.

While this is a good movie, it doesn't completely surprise me that it has been somewhat forgotten by mainstream audiences. The movie isn't as accessible as many films- you really have to work to understand the meaning and the movie's major themes. The story is complex and twisting, and if you aren't paying attention, it is easy to get lost. The movie never really comes out and says what it's all about- this is a movie that asks some tough questions about ethics and morality in the newspaper business. It holds up a mirror to the media, and the view isn't very pretty. It challenges all of us to do better and to take a hard look at what we consider right and wrong.

I really enjoyed this movie. It talks about integrity in a way that isn't preachy. I love movies that are entertaining, but also have some powerful lessons as well. This movie made me think about ethics and how easy it is to twist any action to make it appear in a positive light. While we can lie to ourselves and others all we want, ultimately, it's us that has to live with the truth.

Absence of Malice is not a perfect movie, but it is a good movie. The film is about important themes, and is not afraid to challenge the audience. I admit the story is a bit silly and unbelievable, but that is mostly forgivable. This is a good, but sadly overlooked, movie.



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: All the President's Men, Norma Rae, The Interpreter, Michael Clayton