Review of Absence of Malice (1981) by Michael R — 05 Nov 2007
Absence of Malice is the perfect title for this insightful exploration of the shades of right and wrong in journalism. The opening sequence traces the publication of a newspaper from the word processor to the final print and the remainder of the film concerns itself with everything else surrounding the publication of a news article.
As filmed by Pollack the actual printing process is beautiful and mechanical, a process whose serenity starkly contrasts with the tumult behind a storyâ??s generation and disrupting consequences its printing can have.
Of course Sally Field plays a reporter who breaks all of the rules but her character remains endearing enough for us to feel sorry for her most of the time. Paul Newman gives a flawless performance as a liquor wholesaler being â??squeezedâ?? as part of an investigation into a missing labor leader.
As the story unfolds much of the truth remains obfuscated from the audience making this film a mystery of sorts. One of the great beauties of Absence of Malice, however, is that while mystery propels the plot forward it never detracts from the central question it asks, a question that gnaws at the roots of personal and professional responsibility.
This review of Absence of Malice (1981) was written by Michael R on 05 Nov 2007.
Absence of Malice has generally received positive reviews.
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