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Post by ant-mac on Nov 1, 2018 23:07:14 GMT
ABSENCE OF MALICE (1981) 4/5.
An interesting and well-made American drama, with a title that refers to the legal definition of one of the requirements of proof against libel defamation and is used in journalism classes to illustrate the conflict between disclosing damaging personal information and the public's right to know. The film was written by Kurt Luedtke - a former newspaper editor - and David Rayfiel. It was produced by Ronald L Schwary and Sydney Pollack, who also directed it.
It stars Paul Newman, Sally Field, Bob Balaban, Melinda Dillon, Josef Sommer and Wilford Brimley. It's certainly worth the effort to watch.
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Post by them1ghtyhumph on Nov 1, 2018 23:51:34 GMT
Great film. Great performances. Great scenes.
I've watched it quite a few times.
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Post by fartyfartsalot on Nov 2, 2018 0:32:38 GMT
Mediocre film w/ a terrific performance from Newman.
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Post by rudeboy on Nov 2, 2018 1:32:42 GMT
It's a long time since I saw it but, other than the performances of Newman and (briefly) Dillon, I was not impressed. Sally Field seemed out of her depth. Sydney Pollack made a few strong films but I don't think this is one of them.
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Post by ant-mac on Nov 2, 2018 2:01:20 GMT
It sits on a medium level playing field for me. It is always interesting to watch and I also like Melinda Dillon and she is always an asset to the films she stars in. Field seems a bit out of her depth though and miscast as the feisty and strong willed journalist who is out for a story. This films proves that her talents were better suited to more comedic roles. She force plays the drama and is not that natural. I'm a fan of Paul Newman and I'm especially fond of Sally Field and Melinda Dillon, so I found the film quite enjoyable.
I enjoyed the performances by all three.
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Post by ant-mac on Nov 2, 2018 2:42:49 GMT
I'm a fan of Paul Newman and I'm especially fond of Sally Field and Melinda Dillon, so I found the film quite enjoyable.
I enjoyed the performances by all three. Oh yes, and it is still worth watching, I own it on dvd and have seen several times. Field is easy to watch and always has been, I just feel she is not quite right for the part. Yeah, I've got it on DVD too.
And as you say, she is very easy... to... um...
I'm sorry, what were we talking about again? 
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Post by BATouttaheck on Nov 2, 2018 4:56:54 GMT
I've always liked this one and it's one I seem to like more and more with each viewing. Perfectly cast and played by all as far as I am concerned. Sally and Paul make a good team.  |
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Post by movielover on Nov 2, 2018 5:00:32 GMT
I have it on DVD as well. I've watched it several times over the years and always enjoy it. Sydney Pollack has made a lot of good movies, and this is one of them.
Absence of Malice is sort of the antithesis of All the President's Men. ATPM glorifies the press, while Absence of Malice criticizes it.
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Post by ant-mac on Nov 2, 2018 13:31:50 GMT
Toasted Cheese - Actually, when it comes to Sally Field's performance, I do get the impression that she's out of her depth, but that she's meant to be out of her depth as far as the plot of the film is concerned. She's meant to be out of her depth, because she's up against a man of greater age, ability, experience and wisdom. A man who is potentially dangerous. A man who is an unknown quantity - at least at first. I see nothing wrong with the performance she gave. But that's just me. 
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Post by BATouttaheck on Nov 2, 2018 17:24:26 GMT
ant-mac That pretty much sums up the relationship between Sally and Paul in AoM … HE is an unknown, possibly dangerous and she is walking on eggshells a bit ! Smart girl !
Another great Sally match up is with James Garner in Murphy's Romance. Nice little rom/com (not too rom )with great interaction of characters with some age disparity. Funny scenes !
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Post by ant-mac on Nov 2, 2018 17:27:13 GMT
ant-mac That pretty much sums up the relationship between Sally and Paul in AoM … HE is an unknown, possibly dangerous and she is walking on eggshells a bit ! Smart girl !
Another great Sally match up is with James Garner in Murphy's Romance. Nice little rom/com (not too rom )with great interaction of characters with some age disparity. Funny scenes ! I thought James Garner was a fantastic actor.
I can't understand why he wasn't much bigger than he actually was.
Whether on film or TV, he was never less than thoroughly engaging and likable.
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Post by them1ghtyhumph on Nov 2, 2018 20:00:35 GMT
Wilford Brimley
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Post by politicidal on Aug 15, 2021 18:17:51 GMT
7/10. Both Paul Newman and Sally Field are good. Wilford Brimley is terrific in his brief appearance.
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Post by movielover on Aug 15, 2021 18:24:15 GMT
8/10
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