Absence of Malice Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A liquor wholesaler gets framed for murder because a journalist prints whatever a shady prosecutor tells her, and then everyone learns a lesson about ethics, or something.

🍿 Absence of Malice: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Leak and its Fallout

Miami reporter Megan Carter is given information by prosecutor Elliot Rosen suggesting Michael Gallagher is a suspect in the disappearance of union boss Joey Diaz. Gallagher, son of a deceased mobster, is under investigation despite having no clear evidence against him. Carter publishes the story, which is legally protected under the ‘Absence of Malice’ principle since she believes it to be true. The story throws Gallagher’s life into chaos.

Protecting an Alibi

Gallagher has an alibi for the time of Diaz’s disappearance, but he refuses to reveal it to protect his friend Teresa Perrone. Revealing their secret would expose Teresa’s past abortion, which would devastate her due to her strong Catholic faith. As Gallagher’s business suffers and his reputation is ruined, he faces increasing pressure to clear his name, but continues to prioritize Teresa’s well-being.

Tragedy Strikes

Megan, determined to print the truth, publishes Teresa’s alibi, outing her abortion. Devastated and publicly shamed, Teresa commits suicide. Overcome with guilt and anger, Gallagher confronts Megan, blaming her for Teresa’s death. He learns that Rosen leaked the initial information, setting in motion a plan for revenge.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Michael Colin Gallagher (Paul Newman): A liquor wholesaler and son of a deceased mobster, whose life is disrupted when he becomes the subject of a murder investigation leak.
• Megan Carter (Sally Field): A naive but ambitious reporter who publishes a story implicating Gallagher in a murder, leading to tragic consequences.
• Elliott Rosen (Bob Balaban): An ambitious prosecutor who leaks information to the press to pressure Gallagher, sparking a chain of events.
• Teresa Perrone (Melinda Dillon): Gallagher’s fragile friend whose past is revealed in the press, leading to tragic consequences.
• James J. Wells (Wilford Brimley): A U.S. Assistant Attorney General who investigates the events and exposes the unethical actions of others.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• James J. Wells: “I tell you something, you’re a smart fellow. Don’t get too smart. I’m pretty smart myself.” – Wells warns Gallagher against overplaying his hand, hinting at the power dynamics at play.
• Michael Gallagher: “Everybody in the room is smart. Everybody’s just doing their job – and Teresa Perrone’s dead. Who do I see about that?” – Gallagher confronts the officials with the human cost of their actions, highlighting the tragic consequences.
• Michael Gallagher: “You know, the way things are, if you imply guilt, everyone believes you. If you prove innocence, nobody cares.” – Gallagher laments the sensationalism of the media and the public’s eagerness to believe the worst.
• Megan Carter: “That’s accurate, not true.” – Carter acknowledges the difference between factual reporting and the deeper truth, recognizing the harm caused by her story.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $40,716,963
• Worldwide Gross: $40,716,963

💥 Absence of Malice Reviews

Personal Review

I loved this movie! It’s one of those films that makes you think long after it’s over. Paul Newman is fantastic as the guy whose life gets turned upside down, and Sally Field really captures the ambition and the mistakes of a young reporter. The ending, with Wilford Brimley’s character setting things straight, is so satisfying. I found myself questioning media ethics, and what’s considered the truth. Definitely a must-watch!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Paul Newman and Sally Field”
  • “Viewers interested in journalism ethics”
  • “Those who enjoy suspenseful legal dramas”
  • “People who appreciate films with thought-provoking themes”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suicide”
  • “Discussion of abortion”
  • “Brief scene of violence (torn clothing)”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Absence of Malice intelligently explores journalistic ethics, boasting strong performances from Paul Newman and Sally Field, even if it occasionally veers into melodrama.
• Roger Ebert: “Ebert praised the film’s exploration of media responsibility, highlighting Newman’s understated performance and the nuanced portrayal of the characters’ moral dilemmas. A film that sparks thought and discussion.
• AllMovie: “AllMovie calls Absence of Malice a sharply written and well-acted drama that raises pertinent questions about the power and potential abuse of the press. Wilford Brimley steals every scene.

Audience Reactions

Wilford Brimley’s scene is iconic!: The ending scene with Wilford Brimley is considered a highlight by most viewers, who praise his delivery and resolution.

It’s a well-crafted, thought-provoking drama.: Many appreciate the film’s intelligence and the way it handles complex moral issues.

Overall Consensus: Absence of Malice is generally well-regarded as a thought-provoking drama with strong performances, though some find the pacing slow and the romantic subplot unconvincing.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen)- 1982

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Paul Newman reportedly enjoyed the opportunity to portray a character who outsmarted the press, a sentiment he held in real life due to personal experiences with media intrusion.”
• “Wilford Brimley’s pivotal scene as Assistant Attorney General was filmed in a single day, and his performance is often cited as a standout moment in the film.”
• “The film explores the ethical complexities of journalism and law enforcement, sparking debate about the balance between public interest and individual rights.”
• “The film’s title, ‘Absence of Malice,’ refers to a legal standard in defamation cases, highlighting the central theme of intent versus impact.”

🖥️ How to Watch Absence of Malice?

Absence of Malice is available to rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for television airings. Unfortunately, it’s not currently streaming on subscription services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Absence of Malice, you might like these similar films:

• All the President’s Men (1976): Explores the investigative process of journalism and its impact on powerful institutions, with a focus on uncovering the truth behind a major scandal.
• The Insider (1999): Deals with the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals who expose corporate wrongdoing, similar to the moral quandaries in Absence of Malice.
• Tootsie (1982): Also directed by Sydney Pollack and released around the same time. It demonstrates Pollack’s range as a director, highlighting his ability to tackle both serious dramas and comedic stories effectively.
• Spotlight (2015): A more recent film that delves into the investigative journalism process and its impact on revealing a widespread scandal, similar to the themes in Absence of Malice.
• Network (1976): A satirical take on the news media that examines the sensationalism and ethical compromises within the industry, providing a darker, more cynical perspective.

🛒 Absence of Malice Related Products

• Absence of Malice [Blu-ray]: High-definition Blu-ray release of the film, offering improved picture and sound quality for the ultimate viewing experience.
• The Paul Newman Collection [DVD]: A collection of Paul Newman’s most iconic films, showcasing his range and talent as an actor.
• All the President’s Men [Blu-Ray]: All the President’s Men is a 1976 American political biographical thriller film about the Watergate scandal. The set includes special features such as commentary and behind-the-scenes footage.
• The Camera (Kindle Single): The Camera is a collection of short stories by famed writer, Arthur Miller, on the trials, tribulations, ethics, and heart break that comes with the writing life.

🎧 Soundtrack

Absence of Malice features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Dave Grusin
• “Teresa’s Theme” – performed by Dave Grusin

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Sally Field on acting with Paul Newman

Ever wonder what it’s like to act opposite a legend like Paul Newman? Sally Field spills the beans on their collaboration in ‘Absence of Malice’! Her insights are fascinating.

He “ROUGHED HER UP” during filming but she didn’t give him the satisfaction in knowing he hurt her!

Wow, did you know there was a bit of on-set tension between Paul Newman and Sally Field? This video dives into a specific incident during filming, and it’s surprisingly intense! It made me see their performances in a whole new light.

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