Absence of Malice (1981)
1h 56m | PG-13
Megan Carter is a reporter duped into running an untrue story on Michael Gallagher, a suspected racketeer. He has an alibi for the time his crime was allegedly committed—but it involves an innocent party. When he tells Carter the truth and the newspaper runs it, tragedy follows, forcing Carter to face up to the responsibilities of her job when she is confronted by Gallagher.
Director: Sydney Pollack
Studio: Mirage Enterprises
Genre: Drama, Romance
Video: 720p
Cast
Sally Field
as Megan Carter
Paul Newman
as Michael Colin Gallagher
Bob Balaban
as Elliott Rosen
Melinda Dillon
as Teresa Perrone
Luther Adler
as Santos Malderone
Barry Primus
as Robert Waddell
Reviews
Sidney Pollack has directed a lot of excellent movies but Absence of Malice, one of his lower profile efforts, is my favorite Pollack film. Paul Newman is excellent, of course, and Sally Fields holds her own portraying a reporter who is both ambitious and caring. The supporting cast is also good, especially the late Wilford Brimley as the razor sharp tobacco chewing “aw shucks“ Officer of the court late in the movie. In a way, this is a thinking man’s revenge film, without the violence. The Paul Newman character attempts to use the ambition and the zeal of those who have targeted him against them. There are traces of humor to be found also, and pockets of romance. I have watched it a few times and probably will again.