Absence of Malice

In America can a man be guilty until proven innocent?

116 Mins
1981
en

star6.6/ 10

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.

Cast & Crew

Sally Field

Megan Carter

Paul Newman

Michael Colin Gallagher

Bob Balaban

Elliott Rosen

Melinda Dillon

Teresa Perrone

Luther Adler

Santos Malderone

Barry Primus

Robert Waddell

Review

Peter McGinn

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.

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