Absence of Malice

PG

Released Dec 18, 1982

1 hr. 56 min.

Drama

List

81%

27 Reviews

Tomatometer

63%

2,500+ Ratings

Audience Score

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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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

Dawn C

I thought Paul Newman was wonderful. I felt Sally Field's character was awful. It is a great store and would have been better if Sally Field were more intelligent, more aware, and perhaps have gone to school. Just makes it really a 2 1/2-star movie because of how dumb they made her. Yet who knew this movie shows the sign of times now? It showcases how news does no investigive reporting.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

09/09/22

Full Review

andrea m

Great journalism movie although a bit forced in its plot. It's a nice vibe check for the mediatic world, hungry for news whatever might be the cost. Newman also has some outstanding moments in it, and the ending is really satisfactory thanks to his gloating calmness.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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

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Sydney Pollack

Director

Paul Newman

Gallagher

Sally Field

Megan

Bob Balaban

Rosen

Melinda Dillon

Teresa

Luther Adler

Malderone

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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

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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
Executive Producer: Ronald L. Schwary
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
Sound Mix: Stereo

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