Absence of Malice (1981)

Michael Gallagher (Paul Newman) is a upstanding liquor wholesaler in Miami. His late father was a local gangster and so is his uncle Malderone (Luther Adler). The Strike Force headed by Elliott Rosen (Bob Balaban) leaks a story to reporter Megan Carter (Sally Field) that Michael is under investigation for Longshoremen union boss Joseph Diaz's disappearance. The paper's lawyer declares that the truth is secondary as long as there is an Absence of Malice. Soon Michael is struggling with the union refusing to work for him. He has an alibi but he refuses to use it. He had accompanied Teresa Peronne (Melinda Dillon) to get an abortion in Atlanta. Megan writes about the story and Teresa commits suicide. Megan breaks down and tells Michael the source of her original story.It's an interesting take on the damage of reporting of leaks. It's great to see the news media not put on a pedestal. There is a lot of truth in this. It is normal operations for everybody today. It is the counter argument to 'All the President's Men'. It does take a few unlikely turns but it doesn't go too far. I don't really buy the entire reversal of fortunes. Director Sydney Pollack does a capable job. I do wish he brings a grittier sensibility. Also the oversexualized Sally Field feels very awkward. And in the end, the movie leaves the murder unanswered.

Sydney Pollock directed this interesting drama starring Paul Newman as Miami Liquor salesman Mike Gallagher, who is the son of a mobster, though Mike himself is unconnected. When a Union Head is murdered, and mob involvement suspected, an overambitious Federal Attorney(played by Bob Balaban) decides to pressure Mike into helping them(even knowing his innocence) by going to irresponsible reporter Megan Carter(played by Sally Field) to publish the story. Mike has a solid alibi for the murder, but won't reveal it because it would hurt his fragile friend Teresa(played by Melinda Dillon) When the story(and her involvement) is published, it leads to tragic consequences, and Mike decides to teach the reporter and FBI a lesson by beating them at their own game...Well acted and made drama makes good points about the media and personal responsibility. Almost goes wrong with misguided romance of Mike and Megan, but rights itself with memorable finale, with Wilford Brimley stealing the film in a fantastic supporting performance, laying down the law in amusing yet intelligent fashion.

Sally Field and Paul Newman have excellent chemistry in this film directed by Sydney Pollack. Newman definitely deserved the Oscar nomination for his role as Michael Gallagher, a Miami liquor wholesaler who is being investigated for the disappearance of a union leader. Sally Field plays Megan Carter, a news reporter who is looking into his investigation and leaks a story about his case without knowing his side of the story. Carter is a very unlikable character who only cares about getting a juicy story and does not verify the truth. They form an odd relationship as the movie goes on and the two of them give some of their best performances. Melinda Dillon also does a great job with her supporting role as Michael's longtime friend. The writing and the music were also excellent. This movie is very easy to follow unlike other legal dramas. The film really makes you think about the power of the press and how it can complicate the lives of the people who provide some of the information to the press for their articles. The film is well-balanced with subtle touches of humor in a few scenes.This film is definitely worth seeing and is an underrated Sydney Pollack film driven by spectacular leading performances and winding plot turns.

This is a film about the power of the press. Absence Of Malice is a legal drama that wherein Sally Field stars as Megan, an ambitious newspaper reporter who, based on information from FBI investigator Rosen, played by Bob Balaban, writes a scathing article that implicates Gallagher, a reclusive business-owner played by Paul Newman, in the recent disappearance of a labor leader. When Gallagher confronts Megan and sets her straight, the two team together to prove his innocence and have a few romantic interludes along the way.The film also features Wilford Brimley and Melinda Dillon as part of the supporting cast.The screenplay was written by Kurt Luedtke and David Rayfiel; and it was directed by Sydney Pollack.Although the it has a talented cast,screenwriter and director,it has resulted into an uneven film feature especially when presenting the press as somewhat immoral and unethical.That is basically true especially with the Sally Field character,Megan.But nevertheless,the performances of the stars were great especially Paul Newman,who was worthy of an Oscar nomination.And also,the movie isn't short of entertainment.