Absence of Malice

Absence of Malice


Starring:Paul Newman, Sally Field, Bob Balaban, Melinda Dillon, Luther Adler, Barry Primus, Josef Sommer, John Harkins, Don Hood, Wilford Brimley, Arnie Ross, Anna Marie Napoles, Shelley Spurlock, Shawn McAllister, Joe Petrullo, William Kerwin, Oswaldo Calvo, Clardy Malugen, Sharon Anderson, Jody Wilson
Director: Sydney Pollack
Studio: Sony Pictures
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com essential video
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? --Doug Thomas
Absence of Malice
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • An accurate portrayal of journalism
  • Ethics are a good thing
  • Absence of Malice
  • One of Brimley's best performances ever!
  • An enjoyable revenge and justice tale...
 Absence of Malice
Starring: Paul Newman , Sally Field , Bob Balaban , Melinda Dillon , and Luther Adler
Director: Sydney Pollack
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

GeneralGeneral | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video
Miscarriage of JusticeMiscarriage of Justice | By Theme | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video
Courtroom DramaCourtroom Drama | Crime | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video
Adler, LutherAdler, Luther | ( A ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Balaban, BobBalaban, Bob | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Brimley, WilfordBrimley, Wilford | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Dillon, MelindaDillon, Melinda | ( D ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Field, SallyField, Sally | ( F ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Harkins, JohnHarkins, John | ( H ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Hood, DonHood, Don | ( H ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Newman, PaulNewman, Paul | ( N ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Primus, BarryPrimus, Barry | ( P ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Sommer, JosefSommer, Josef | ( S ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Pollack, SydneyPollack, Sydney | ( P ) | Directors | Stores | DVD | Video
All Sony Pictures TitlesAll Sony Pictures Titles | Sony Pictures Home Entertainment | Studio Specials | Stores | DVD | Video
Used DVDsUsed DVDs | Stores | DVD | Video | Action & Adventure | African American Cinema | Animation | Anime & Manga | Art House & International | Classics | Comedy | Cult Movies | Documentary | Drama | Educational | Fitness & Yoga | Gay & Lesbian | Horror | Kids & Family | Military & War | Music Video & Concerts | Musicals & Performing Arts | Mystery & Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Special Interests | Sports | Television | Westerns
DVDs Under $14.99DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
( A )( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:
  1. Shattered Glass
  2. All the President's Men (Two-Disc Special Edition)
  3. The Sting (Universal Legacy Series)
  4. Cool Hand Luke
  5. Murphy's Romance

ASIN: 0767804325
Release Date: 1998-04-15

Amazon.com essential video

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? --Doug Thomas

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars An accurate portrayal of journalism.......2007-06-21

When this movie came out, I was a reporter at a daily newspaper. I went to "Absence of Malice" fully prepared to hate it. Instead, I came away thinking that it was an accurate and believable portrayal of what happens in a newsroom. To this day, I am bothered that journalists too often fail to understand the impact their words have on people's lives. Most journalists I've known prefer to insulate themselves from the public and never hear about the negative effects of the stories they write. I highly recommend this movie to anyone interested in how reporters and editors operate.

5 out of 5 stars Ethics are a good thing.......2007-05-27

A very enjoyable film and quite topical in today's arena of "fair and balanced" journalism. The impact of what is in print and how lives are impacted - perhaps even ended - make this a compelling film. Credibility is tested in some aspects but this is a lot of story to tell in a short period of time. Some shortcuts can be forgiven.

Put it in, put on the popcorn and enjoy. And then watch our "cable" news channels and decide whether the film's lesson was ever learned. Hint: No.

5 out of 5 stars Absence of Malice.......2007-03-19

This is Sydney Pollack's best film in my opinion. A great example of how politics, the legal system, the court of public opinion, and journalism intersect. First-time screenwriter Kurt Luedtke, a former reporter was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Screenplay. Also, a great example of the tragedy of unintended consequences. Paul Newman plays the leaned upon everyman who stands up for himself, and Sally Field as the eager yet naive twenty or thirty-something newspaper reporter who gets the story but at a personal cost. The climatic courtroom scene at the end is one of the most dramatic and well written dialogues in American film.

5 out of 5 stars One of Brimley's best performances ever!.......2007-02-24

One of my all-time favorite legal venue films, the single best performance was delivered by Wilford Brimley, during the short but climactic "Inquiry Scene." All actors rendered very creditable performances, and there were certainly no weak links. Perhaps the classic "getting even" film!

4 out of 5 stars An enjoyable revenge and justice tale..........2006-12-14

Paul and Sally are both fine in this suspense drama, in which an unethical prosecutor unfairly uses both of the stars to achieve progress in an important case. Paul and Sally are attracted to each other, but when Paul's character needs to teach the prosecutor a lesson, he sacrifices Sally's job to accomplish his own vindication. It's just good entertainment, within a plot that shows the dark sides of the justice system and big media.
Absence of Malice
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • An accurate portrayal of journalism
  • Ethics are a good thing
  • Absence of Malice
  • One of Brimley's best performances ever!
  • An enjoyable revenge and justice tale...
 Absence of Malice
Starring: Paul Newman , Sally Field , Bob Balaban , Melinda Dillon , and Luther Adler
Director: Sydney Pollack
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

GeneralGeneral | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video
Miscarriage of JusticeMiscarriage of Justice | By Theme | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video
Courtroom DramaCourtroom Drama | Crime | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video
Adler, LutherAdler, Luther | ( A ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Balaban, BobBalaban, Bob | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Brimley, WilfordBrimley, Wilford | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Dillon, MelindaDillon, Melinda | ( D ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Field, SallyField, Sally | ( F ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Harkins, JohnHarkins, John | ( H ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Hood, DonHood, Don | ( H ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Newman, PaulNewman, Paul | ( N ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Primus, BarryPrimus, Barry | ( P ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Sommer, JosefSommer, Josef | ( S ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Pollack, SydneyPollack, Sydney | ( P ) | Directors | Stores | DVD | Video
All Sony Pictures TitlesAll Sony Pictures Titles | Sony Pictures Home Entertainment | Studio Specials | Stores | DVD | Video
Used DVDsUsed DVDs | Stores | DVD | Video | Action & Adventure | African American Cinema | Animation | Anime & Manga | Art House & International | Classics | Comedy | Cult Movies | Documentary | Drama | Educational | Fitness & Yoga | Gay & Lesbian | Horror | Kids & Family | Military & War | Music Video & Concerts | Musicals & Performing Arts | Mystery & Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Special Interests | Sports | Television | Westerns
( A )( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:
  1. Shattered Glass
  2. All the President's Men (Two-Disc Special Edition)
  3. The Sting (Universal Legacy Series)
  4. Cool Hand Luke
  5. Murphy's Romance

ASIN: B0000069WW
Release Date: 1998-03-31

Amazon.com essential video

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? --Doug Thomas

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars An accurate portrayal of journalism.......2007-06-21

When this movie came out, I was a reporter at a daily newspaper. I went to "Absence of Malice" fully prepared to hate it. Instead, I came away thinking that it was an accurate and believable portrayal of what happens in a newsroom. To this day, I am bothered that journalists too often fail to understand the impact their words have on people's lives. Most journalists I've known prefer to insulate themselves from the public and never hear about the negative effects of the stories they write. I highly recommend this movie to anyone interested in how reporters and editors operate.

5 out of 5 stars Ethics are a good thing.......2007-05-27

A very enjoyable film and quite topical in today's arena of "fair and balanced" journalism. The impact of what is in print and how lives are impacted - perhaps even ended - make this a compelling film. Credibility is tested in some aspects but this is a lot of story to tell in a short period of time. Some shortcuts can be forgiven.

Put it in, put on the popcorn and enjoy. And then watch our "cable" news channels and decide whether the film's lesson was ever learned. Hint: No.

5 out of 5 stars Absence of Malice.......2007-03-19

This is Sydney Pollack's best film in my opinion. A great example of how politics, the legal system, the court of public opinion, and journalism intersect. First-time screenwriter Kurt Luedtke, a former reporter was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Screenplay. Also, a great example of the tragedy of unintended consequences. Paul Newman plays the leaned upon everyman who stands up for himself, and Sally Field as the eager yet naive twenty or thirty-something newspaper reporter who gets the story but at a personal cost. The climatic courtroom scene at the end is one of the most dramatic and well written dialogues in American film.

5 out of 5 stars One of Brimley's best performances ever!.......2007-02-24

One of my all-time favorite legal venue films, the single best performance was delivered by Wilford Brimley, during the short but climactic "Inquiry Scene." All actors rendered very creditable performances, and there were certainly no weak links. Perhaps the classic "getting even" film!

4 out of 5 stars An enjoyable revenge and justice tale..........2006-12-14

Paul and Sally are both fine in this suspense drama, in which an unethical prosecutor unfairly uses both of the stars to achieve progress in an important case. Paul and Sally are attracted to each other, but when Paul's character needs to teach the prosecutor a lesson, he sacrifices Sally's job to accomplish his own vindication. It's just good entertainment, within a plot that shows the dark sides of the justice system and big media.
Absence of Malice [Region 2]
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • An accurate portrayal of journalism
  • Ethics are a good thing
  • Absence of Malice
  • One of Brimley's best performances ever!
  • An enjoyable revenge and justice tale...
 Absence of Malice [Region 2]
Starring: Paul Newman , Sally Field , Bob Balaban , Melinda Dillon , and Luther Adler
Director: Sydney Pollack
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

GeneralGeneral | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video
Adler, LutherAdler, Luther | ( A ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Balaban, BobBalaban, Bob | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Brimley, WilfordBrimley, Wilford | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Dillon, MelindaDillon, Melinda | ( D ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Field, SallyField, Sally | ( F ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Harkins, JohnHarkins, John | ( H ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Hood, DonHood, Don | ( H ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Newman, PaulNewman, Paul | ( N ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Primus, BarryPrimus, Barry | ( P ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Sommer, JosefSommer, Josef | ( S ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Pollack, SydneyPollack, Sydney | ( P ) | Directors | Stores | DVD | Video
Used DVDsUsed DVDs | Stores | DVD | Video | Action & Adventure | African American Cinema | Animation | Anime & Manga | Art House & International | Classics | Comedy | Cult Movies | Documentary | Drama | Educational | Fitness & Yoga | Gay & Lesbian | Horror | Kids & Family | Military & War | Music Video & Concerts | Musicals & Performing Arts | Mystery & Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Special Interests | Sports | Television | Westerns
( A )( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:
  1. Shattered Glass
  2. All the President's Men (Two-Disc Special Edition)
  3. The Sting (Universal Legacy Series)
  4. Cool Hand Luke
  5. Murphy's Romance

ASIN: B00005K3AL

Amazon.com essential video

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? --Doug Thomas

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars An accurate portrayal of journalism.......2007-06-21

When this movie came out, I was a reporter at a daily newspaper. I went to "Absence of Malice" fully prepared to hate it. Instead, I came away thinking that it was an accurate and believable portrayal of what happens in a newsroom. To this day, I am bothered that journalists too often fail to understand the impact their words have on people's lives. Most journalists I've known prefer to insulate themselves from the public and never hear about the negative effects of the stories they write. I highly recommend this movie to anyone interested in how reporters and editors operate.

5 out of 5 stars Ethics are a good thing.......2007-05-27

A very enjoyable film and quite topical in today's arena of "fair and balanced" journalism. The impact of what is in print and how lives are impacted - perhaps even ended - make this a compelling film. Credibility is tested in some aspects but this is a lot of story to tell in a short period of time. Some shortcuts can be forgiven.

Put it in, put on the popcorn and enjoy. And then watch our "cable" news channels and decide whether the film's lesson was ever learned. Hint: No.

5 out of 5 stars Absence of Malice.......2007-03-19

This is Sydney Pollack's best film in my opinion. A great example of how politics, the legal system, the court of public opinion, and journalism intersect. First-time screenwriter Kurt Luedtke, a former reporter was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Screenplay. Also, a great example of the tragedy of unintended consequences. Paul Newman plays the leaned upon everyman who stands up for himself, and Sally Field as the eager yet naive twenty or thirty-something newspaper reporter who gets the story but at a personal cost. The climatic courtroom scene at the end is one of the most dramatic and well written dialogues in American film.

5 out of 5 stars One of Brimley's best performances ever!.......2007-02-24

One of my all-time favorite legal venue films, the single best performance was delivered by Wilford Brimley, during the short but climactic "Inquiry Scene." All actors rendered very creditable performances, and there were certainly no weak links. Perhaps the classic "getting even" film!

4 out of 5 stars An enjoyable revenge and justice tale..........2006-12-14

Paul and Sally are both fine in this suspense drama, in which an unethical prosecutor unfairly uses both of the stars to achieve progress in an important case. Paul and Sally are attracted to each other, but when Paul's character needs to teach the prosecutor a lesson, he sacrifices Sally's job to accomplish his own vindication. It's just good entertainment, within a plot that shows the dark sides of the justice system and big media.
Absence of Malice [Region 2]
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • An accurate portrayal of journalism
  • Ethics are a good thing
  • Absence of Malice
  • One of Brimley's best performances ever!
  • An enjoyable revenge and justice tale...
 Absence of Malice [Region 2]
Starring: Paul Newman , Sally Field , Bob Balaban , Melinda Dillon , and Luther Adler
Director: Sydney Pollack
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

GeneralGeneral | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video
Adler, LutherAdler, Luther | ( A ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Balaban, BobBalaban, Bob | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Brimley, WilfordBrimley, Wilford | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Dillon, MelindaDillon, Melinda | ( D ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Field, SallyField, Sally | ( F ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Harkins, JohnHarkins, John | ( H ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Hood, DonHood, Don | ( H ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Newman, PaulNewman, Paul | ( N ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Primus, BarryPrimus, Barry | ( P ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Sommer, JosefSommer, Josef | ( S ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Pollack, SydneyPollack, Sydney | ( P ) | Directors | Stores | DVD | Video
Used DVDsUsed DVDs | Stores | DVD | Video | Action & Adventure | African American Cinema | Animation | Anime & Manga | Art House & International | Classics | Comedy | Cult Movies | Documentary | Drama | Educational | Fitness & Yoga | Gay & Lesbian | Horror | Kids & Family | Military & War | Music Video & Concerts | Musicals & Performing Arts | Mystery & Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Special Interests | Sports | Television | Westerns
( A )( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:
  1. Shattered Glass
  2. All the President's Men (Two-Disc Special Edition)
  3. The Sting (Universal Legacy Series)
  4. Cool Hand Luke
  5. Murphy's Romance

ASIN: B00005AVV4

Amazon.com essential video

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? --Doug Thomas

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars An accurate portrayal of journalism.......2007-06-21

When this movie came out, I was a reporter at a daily newspaper. I went to "Absence of Malice" fully prepared to hate it. Instead, I came away thinking that it was an accurate and believable portrayal of what happens in a newsroom. To this day, I am bothered that journalists too often fail to understand the impact their words have on people's lives. Most journalists I've known prefer to insulate themselves from the public and never hear about the negative effects of the stories they write. I highly recommend this movie to anyone interested in how reporters and editors operate.

5 out of 5 stars Ethics are a good thing.......2007-05-27

A very enjoyable film and quite topical in today's arena of "fair and balanced" journalism. The impact of what is in print and how lives are impacted - perhaps even ended - make this a compelling film. Credibility is tested in some aspects but this is a lot of story to tell in a short period of time. Some shortcuts can be forgiven.

Put it in, put on the popcorn and enjoy. And then watch our "cable" news channels and decide whether the film's lesson was ever learned. Hint: No.

5 out of 5 stars Absence of Malice.......2007-03-19

This is Sydney Pollack's best film in my opinion. A great example of how politics, the legal system, the court of public opinion, and journalism intersect. First-time screenwriter Kurt Luedtke, a former reporter was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Screenplay. Also, a great example of the tragedy of unintended consequences. Paul Newman plays the leaned upon everyman who stands up for himself, and Sally Field as the eager yet naive twenty or thirty-something newspaper reporter who gets the story but at a personal cost. The climatic courtroom scene at the end is one of the most dramatic and well written dialogues in American film.

5 out of 5 stars One of Brimley's best performances ever!.......2007-02-24

One of my all-time favorite legal venue films, the single best performance was delivered by Wilford Brimley, during the short but climactic "Inquiry Scene." All actors rendered very creditable performances, and there were certainly no weak links. Perhaps the classic "getting even" film!

4 out of 5 stars An enjoyable revenge and justice tale..........2006-12-14

Paul and Sally are both fine in this suspense drama, in which an unethical prosecutor unfairly uses both of the stars to achieve progress in an important case. Paul and Sally are attracted to each other, but when Paul's character needs to teach the prosecutor a lesson, he sacrifices Sally's job to accomplish his own vindication. It's just good entertainment, within a plot that shows the dark sides of the justice system and big media.
Absence of Malice [Region 2]
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • An accurate portrayal of journalism
  • Ethics are a good thing
  • Absence of Malice
  • One of Brimley's best performances ever!
  • An enjoyable revenge and justice tale...
 Absence of Malice [Region 2]
Starring: Paul Newman , Sally Field , Bob Balaban , Melinda Dillon , and Luther Adler
Director: Sydney Pollack
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

GeneralGeneral | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video
Adler, LutherAdler, Luther | ( A ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Balaban, BobBalaban, Bob | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Brimley, WilfordBrimley, Wilford | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Dillon, MelindaDillon, Melinda | ( D ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Field, SallyField, Sally | ( F ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Harkins, JohnHarkins, John | ( H ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Hood, DonHood, Don | ( H ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Newman, PaulNewman, Paul | ( N ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Primus, BarryPrimus, Barry | ( P ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Sommer, JosefSommer, Josef | ( S ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Pollack, SydneyPollack, Sydney | ( P ) | Directors | Stores | DVD | Video
Used DVDsUsed DVDs | Stores | DVD | Video | Action & Adventure | African American Cinema | Animation | Anime & Manga | Art House & International | Classics | Comedy | Cult Movies | Documentary | Drama | Educational | Fitness & Yoga | Gay & Lesbian | Horror | Kids & Family | Military & War | Music Video & Concerts | Musicals & Performing Arts | Mystery & Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Special Interests | Sports | Television | Westerns
( A )( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:
  1. Shattered Glass
  2. All the President's Men (Two-Disc Special Edition)
  3. The Sting (Universal Legacy Series)
  4. Cool Hand Luke
  5. Murphy's Romance

ASIN: B00005JGO9

Amazon.com essential video

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? --Doug Thomas

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars An accurate portrayal of journalism.......2007-06-21

When this movie came out, I was a reporter at a daily newspaper. I went to "Absence of Malice" fully prepared to hate it. Instead, I came away thinking that it was an accurate and believable portrayal of what happens in a newsroom. To this day, I am bothered that journalists too often fail to understand the impact their words have on people's lives. Most journalists I've known prefer to insulate themselves from the public and never hear about the negative effects of the stories they write. I highly recommend this movie to anyone interested in how reporters and editors operate.

5 out of 5 stars Ethics are a good thing.......2007-05-27

A very enjoyable film and quite topical in today's arena of "fair and balanced" journalism. The impact of what is in print and how lives are impacted - perhaps even ended - make this a compelling film. Credibility is tested in some aspects but this is a lot of story to tell in a short period of time. Some shortcuts can be forgiven.

Put it in, put on the popcorn and enjoy. And then watch our "cable" news channels and decide whether the film's lesson was ever learned. Hint: No.

5 out of 5 stars Absence of Malice.......2007-03-19

This is Sydney Pollack's best film in my opinion. A great example of how politics, the legal system, the court of public opinion, and journalism intersect. First-time screenwriter Kurt Luedtke, a former reporter was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Screenplay. Also, a great example of the tragedy of unintended consequences. Paul Newman plays the leaned upon everyman who stands up for himself, and Sally Field as the eager yet naive twenty or thirty-something newspaper reporter who gets the story but at a personal cost. The climatic courtroom scene at the end is one of the most dramatic and well written dialogues in American film.

5 out of 5 stars One of Brimley's best performances ever!.......2007-02-24

One of my all-time favorite legal venue films, the single best performance was delivered by Wilford Brimley, during the short but climactic "Inquiry Scene." All actors rendered very creditable performances, and there were certainly no weak links. Perhaps the classic "getting even" film!

4 out of 5 stars An enjoyable revenge and justice tale..........2006-12-14

Paul and Sally are both fine in this suspense drama, in which an unethical prosecutor unfairly uses both of the stars to achieve progress in an important case. Paul and Sally are attracted to each other, but when Paul's character needs to teach the prosecutor a lesson, he sacrifices Sally's job to accomplish his own vindication. It's just good entertainment, within a plot that shows the dark sides of the justice system and big media.

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  3. Little Buddha
  4. Horatio Hornblower Boxed Set
  5. Breaker Morant (Masterworks Edition)
  6. Last Tango in Paris
  7. Prozac Nation
  8. Laura
  9. Wild Orchid
  10. The Assassination of Richard Nixon

DVD

DVD

DVD

Leon - The Professional (Uncut International Version)

Moving the Mountain

Play Misty for Me (REGION 1) (NTSC)

DVD: Murder in the Clouds

Quigley Down Under