Paul Newman,
Sally Field,
Bob Balaban,
Melinda Dillon,
Luther Adler
... see more 
In this legal drama from director Sydney Pollack, Sally Field stars as Megan, an ambitious newpaper reporter who, based on information from FBI investigator Rosen, played by Bob Balaban, writes a scat... read more
DVD Release Date: March 31, 1998
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Stats: 171 reviews
Your Rating
Flixster Reviews (171)
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March 7, 2011Understandably, this is considered one of the greatest movies about journalism. I think it is mostly due to the fact that it takes an even position on both sides of the story. On the one hand you have Sally Field as Maggie just trying to get recognized with a hot story, but then ... read more
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January 10, 2011A great journalism drama/thriller with great actors, it's even pretty exciting for the most part. If you like movies about journalism, I highly recommend it.
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April 28, 2009Absence of Malice is another one of those early '80's news/courtroom dramas where people have to face what's legal and what's moral. The film stars Paul Newman as Michael Colin Gallagher, a liquor warehouse owner in Miami whose father was a player in the syndicate. Gallagher is c... read more
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October 2, 2008Despite the star-studded cast, this is neither an interesting or well-made movie. Sydney Pollack (RIP) and Paul Newman (RIP! =(), you can't win every time.
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June 3, 2008heavy courtroom drama with strong cast lead byPaul Newman...another message driven movie that will hold your interest
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December 2, 2011ABSENCE OF MALICE (1981) is a well acted, well directed and well written movie that holds up all these years later. This engrossing movie is all about demonstrating the need for integrity in journalism and thankfully that message, while not subtly made, is not delivered with such... read more
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April 2, 2011Reporter Sally Field gets used for other people's self-interests. Paul Newman gets smeared in a paper and gets even. Good to watch if you're having an I-feel-like-a-victim day.
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May 15, 2010A really good movie about journalism. I was a bit confused at times with all the laws and journalism jargon, though. But, the actors are good, the story is exciting, and it's a really interesting movie.
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January 10, 2010I saw this some time ago and forgot to review it. What does that tell you? It wasn't memorable. It wasn't interesting. I'd dare to say it wasn't that good. And the music was AWFUL. The only reason to watch is to see the lovably neurotic Jew Elliott Rosen or Gould or whatever his ... read more
Critic Reviews
October 1, 2008
Richard Schickel, TIME Magazine
May 26, 2008
Variety Staff, Variety
A splendidly disturbing look at the power of sloppy reporting to inflict harm on the innocent. Full Review
October 23, 2004
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
I not only liked this movie despite its factual and ethical problems -- I'm not even so sure they matter so much to most viewers. Full Review
May 20, 2003
Janet Maslin, New York Times
What Mr. Pollack's movies lack in momentum, they make up for in quiet gravity. Full Review
January 1, 2000
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
The picture has a smug, demoralizing sense of pervasive corruption. Full Review
February 28, 2007
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Well-meaning liberal message story. Full Review
June 24, 2006
Time Out
Impeccably liberal in its orientation to 'issues,' his avoids the excesses of Stanley Kramer-like telegraphy, only to come up looking aesthetically wet. Full Review
February 3, 2006
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Despite good intentions, this uneven drama might disturb women as the journalist played by Sally Field is not only irresponsible but also not very bright; Paul Newman compensates with a strong turn. Full Review
August 26, 2005
Rich Cline, Shadows on the Wall
gripping little thriller
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Absence Of Malice
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