Absence of Malice    

By Doug Thomas

The ethics of the press are roundly slapped around in an entertaining if not always believable drama from director Sydney Pollack. Sally Field is the Miami reporter who is set up to leak information on a dead-end murder investigation. A sneaky government official (a marvelous, rubber-band-spinning Bob Balaban) provides the information that implies liquor distributor Paul Newman is under investigation. When the story runs, it uncorks a legal quagmire that puts the spotlight on presumably innocent lives. As the lawyers explain, the paper's story is accurate, even though it may be untrue. The details of the story are sharply drawn by first-time screenwriter and former reporter Kurt Luedtke (who later went on to win an Oscar scripting Pollack's Out of Africa); the film could be used in a Media Ethics 101 class. Newman secretly counterattacks in a clever plot to derail the process that quickly encompasses his jittery friend (Oscar nominee Melinda Dillon). Field's continuing ethical gaps--including falling in love with her subject--stretch the film's credibility. Then again, who wouldn't fall for Paul Newman in the Florida sun?

Academy Awards

Absence of Malice received Academy Award nominations for Actor 1981 (Paul Newman), Supporting Actress (Melinda Dillon) and for Writing - Screenplay (Written Directly For The Screen) (Kurt Luedt).

Share Your Memories!

Is Absence of Malice one of your favorite movies? What do you remember about it? Share your stories (or your reviews) with the world! (We print the best stories right here!)