"Absence of Malice" has got a lot going for it. Terrific performances from Newman and Field. Good supporting work from Balaban, Brimley and Dillon. An interesting story,told at a time when there was (and still is) a lot of questions about the role of the press, and the liberties they take. So then why isn't this movie better than it is?
With a story such as this a director needs to be able to take his time to tell it, and Pollack does a very good job here. But the story never really takes off. In my opinion, this is partially due to the love story sub-plot, that is not necessary. Also, despite their strong individual performances, Newman and Field don't really have a strong chemistry between them.
I like the questions that were asked in this movie, regarding whether it is better to be accurate, or truthful in a story. The idea that even if a story is not true, just the act of putting in the paper gives the perception that it may be true. Powerful ideas, and told well. I just wish that the film was able to trust the story and not add a wasteful sub-plot.
6 out of 10
With a story such as this a director needs to be able to take his time to tell it, and Pollack does a very good job here. But the story never really takes off. In my opinion, this is partially due to the love story sub-plot, that is not necessary. Also, despite their strong individual performances, Newman and Field don't really have a strong chemistry between them.
I like the questions that were asked in this movie, regarding whether it is better to be accurate, or truthful in a story. The idea that even if a story is not true, just the act of putting in the paper gives the perception that it may be true. Powerful ideas, and told well. I just wish that the film was able to trust the story and not add a wasteful sub-plot.
6 out of 10