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Absence of Malice

Play trailer Poster for Absence of Malice PG Released Dec 18, 1982 1h 56m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
81% Tomatometer 27 Reviews 64% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
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 supposed crime was committed but it involves an innocent party. When she 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.
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Absence of Malice

Critics Reviews

View All (27) Critics Reviews
Bob Thomas Associated Press Absence Of Malice is a well-acted, smoothly paced melodrama that suffers from an illogical premise. Oct 22, 2018 Full Review Richard Schickel TIME Magazine Absence of Malice does not invalidate All the President's Men. But with entertainment values -- and a moral sense -- every bit as high as that film's, it observes that there is an underside to journalistic gallantry. Oct 1, 2008 Full Review Variety Staff Variety A splendidly disturbing look at the power of sloppy reporting to inflict harm on the innocent. May 26, 2008 Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews ...benefits from its atmospheric visuals and raft of compelling performances... Rated: 3/4 Jan 22, 2023 Full Review Larry Vitacco Philadelphia Gay News Director Pollack does a fine job at keeping this tense and emotionally charged story on the right track throughout. Rated: 4/4 May 27, 2020 Full Review Alberto Abuín Espinof With an excellent Paul Newman in the head of the cast, the result is something disappointing, but still provoking some interest. [Full Review in Spanish] Aug 28, 2019 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (166) audience reviews
Alec B I suppose the movie's heart is in the right place. Yes, journalists and government officials often do ruin people's lives however almost none of what transpires here is remotely believable. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 01/10/24 Full Review delysid d paul newman made a lot of movies Rated 3 out of 5 stars 12/17/21 Full Review Audience Member This crime drama was pretty good. Paul Newman, Sally Field, Bob Balaban, and the rest of the cast did a great job in this movie. The plot of the movie was dramatic, thrilling, and suspenseful. It's about getting even with everyone that tries to hurt you and make you look like a criminal. If you haven't seen this movie yet, check it out sometime. It's worth watching. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/18/23 Full Review Audience Member I suppose the movie's heart is in the right place. Yes, journalists and government officials often do ruin people's lives however almost none of what transpires here is remotely believable. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 02/13/23 Full Review Audience Member Although the way of telling the story does not make it an outstanding movie, it touches an issue with strength enough to make you think. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/25/23 Full Review Audience Member I don't usually leave reviews for films. If I do it is because I truly enjoyed and felt something from the movie. This is not to put the other films, even if some were just not my taste. Nonetheless, Absence of Malice is a great film. It has all the elements needed to keep all types of audiences watching and not wanting to miss a moment. From the directing to the coolness of Paul Newman, from Sally Fields coarse but honest character to Bob Balaban's fidgety and scummy character. This was a great journey through stories and arcs. I recommend this film for all mature audiences. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/26/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Absence of Malice

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Movie Info

Synopsis 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 supposed crime was committed but it involves an innocent party. When she 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
Producer
Sydney Pollack
Screenwriter
Kurt Luedtke
Distributor
Columbia Pictures
Production Co
Mirage Enterprises, Columbia Pictures Corporation
Rating
PG
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 18, 1982, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 1, 2010
Runtime
1h 56m
Sound Mix
Stereo
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