"Absence of Malice" came out in 1981 and was directed by Sidney Pollack, the year before he would direct the Dustin Hoffman classic, "Tootsie." It stars Paul Newman, Sally Field, Melinda Dillon, and obviously a lot more. This basically is a journalism thriller. Yeah I realize that sounds incredibly boring and kind of a ridiculous combination. However, quite the opposite is true of this movie. The two leads are phenomenal. Then again most people know that when they see Paul Newman and Sally Field's names so close together. She is Megan Carter, a journalist who gets some false information that makes it seem like Michael Gallagher was involved in a man's murder. She naturally prints this in her article and this infuriates Gallagher because it's simply not true. Throughout the movie they are both searching for the truth. These two work very well with each other in "Absence of Malice." All their interactions seem completely natural. At first it's strictly business, but then they naturally get into a brief romantic, intimate relationship. Which happens way to fast, and is one of the few semi-negative reactions I had to the movie. But I guess very few people can resist Paul Newman. Emotions fly as they find out the truth and that Megan Carter had no right to write the articles until she knew the entire truth. Journalism ethics come into play a lot throughout the movie, especially when Teresa (Melinda Dillon), a friend of Gallagher's, commits suicide after Carter reveals information about her relationship with Gallagher, in the newspaper. And Sally Field gets to cry a little bit, which is always a pleasure to watch since she is just so good, and really should get back to doing those movies she is so great at...which is basically any movie she chooses to make. Visually and sound-wise the film also succeeds. The score adds drama and at times suspense, perfectly complimenting the serious storyline. Also, there are great tracking shots, throughout the movie, mainly in the newsroom and lots of great reactions shots from the cast as emotions are running high. It is visually just a well composed film, so I won't go on anymore with that. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, for the reasons I stated, and a couple more I didn't feel like writing. Much of this had to do with the cast being led by two of my personal favorites. I imagine I will enjoy it more when I see it again.
-Joseph Sbrilli
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