Absence of Malice

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Absence of Malice

PG

Released Dec 18, 1982

1h 56m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

81%

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27 Reviews

64%

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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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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

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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

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Mikey B

Sally Field and Paul Newman are the heavyweights in this movie about journalistic responsibility. Melinda Dillion does an outstanding job. While the story is effective and draws you in, it lacks that something to put it at next level.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

05/16/25

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Matthew P

I've seen this a number of times - a solid drama about journalistic integrity and ethics given excellent performances by Paul Newman and Sally Field.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/11/25

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CodyZamboni Z

Solid movie about media, greed, and morals. As Paul Newman battles the feds, the DA, and a Florida newspaper reporter, Sally Field. Newman is very effective in an understated performance. Highlight of the movie is a great summation by Wilford Brimley,

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/09/25

Full Review

Alain E

Very well constructed journalism procedural. Objections have been raised regarding whether the events described could happen in reality. We have to assume that some of our fellow citizens already inhabit paradise where district attorneys and other authorities always go by the book and newspapers and other media tell the truth and only the truth. I hope they have not been following the news these past few weeks with the bloodbath in the Department of Justice and all the lawsuits against media. The movie carefully avoids a happy ending but leaves open the possibility that things could improve in the future. Newman and Field are very good and Melinda Dillon portrays very well the individual who is crushed by the system.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/05/25

Full Review

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

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delysid d

paul newman made a lot of movies

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

12/17/21

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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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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