Absolute Power Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

An old thief sees the President do a bad thing, and then everyone gets real upset.

🍿 Absolute Power: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Burglary and the Witness

Luther Whitney, a seasoned thief planning one last heist before retirement, targets the mansion of wealthy Walter Sullivan. While attempting to rob a hidden vault, Luther witnesses a violent encounter between Sullivan’s wife, Christy, and President Alan Richmond. The encounter quickly escalates, leading to Christy’s murder by the President’s Secret Service detail. Luther narrowly escapes the scene, unknowingly taking a crucial piece of evidence with him: the letter opener used in the altercation. This sets in motion a dangerous game of cat and mouse as Luther finds himself pursued by both the Secret Service and the police.

Investigation and Pursuit

Detective Seth Frank begins investigating Christy’s death, quickly suspecting Luther’s involvement due to his reputation as a thief. Luther’s estranged daughter, Kate Whitney, a prosecutor, becomes entangled in the investigation, creating a conflict of interest and emotional turmoil. As Luther attempts to evade capture, he discovers the extent of the cover-up orchestrated by Chief of Staff Gloria Russell and the President’s loyal Secret Service agents. He realizes that he holds the key to exposing the truth and decides to take action.

Turning the Tables

Luther begins to subtly taunt Russell and the President, revealing his knowledge of the crime and putting pressure on them. Meanwhile, the President orders Kate’s assassination to silence any potential leaks. Luther intervenes, saving his daughter’s life and further escalating the conflict. He uses his cunning and resourcefulness to stay one step ahead of his pursuers, turning the tables on those who seek to silence him.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Luther Whitney (Clint Eastwood): A veteran thief who witnesses a murder involving the President and becomes a target himself.
• President Richmond (Gene Hackman): The corrupt U.S. President who is involved in the death of a woman and attempts to cover it up.
• Seth Frank (Ed Harris): A determined police detective investigating the murder who gets entangled in the political conspiracy.
• Kate Whitney (Laura Linney): Luther’s estranged daughter and a prosecuting attorney, who becomes caught in the crossfire.
• Gloria Russell (Judy Davis): The ruthless Chief of Staff who orchestrates the cover-up of the President’s involvement.
• Bill Burton (Scott Glenn): A Secret Service agent plagued by guilt over his role in the cover-up.
• Walter Sullivan (E.G. Marshall): The wealthy and influential billionaire whose wife’s murder sets the events of the film in motion.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Luther Whitney: “Remember, tomorrow is promised to no one.” – Luther says this line to Detective Frank, underscoring the uncertainty and risk in his current situation.
• Luther Whitney: “I’m fresh out.” – Luther says this line to Collin after subduing him by jabbing him in the neck with a syringe.
• Gloria Russell: “I’ll take care of everything. Like I always do.” – Spoken with ice-cold determination, encapsulating her ruthlessness and power as she orchestrates the cover-up.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $50,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $50,068,310
• Worldwide Gross: $50,068,310

💥 Absolute Power Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie when it came out and thinking it was pretty good, especially seeing Clint Eastwood and Gene Hackman together. It’s a solid thriller with a few twists, but honestly, it feels a little dated now. The best part for me was seeing Laura Linney; she’s such a great actress. I also liked the scenes between Eastwood and Ed Harris—their dynamic was really engaging. Overall, it’s a decent watch, but don’t expect anything groundbreaking.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Clint Eastwood”
  • “Viewers interested in political thrillers”
  • “Those who enjoy suspenseful crime dramas”
  • “Fans of Gene Hackman, Ed Harris and Laura Linney”
  • “People who appreciate movies with a moral center and a sense of justice”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Brief sexual content”
  • “Mature themes involving political corruption”
  • “Murder”
  • “Brief language”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “A great cast and compelling plot make for a mediocre movie, due to inconsistencies and implausibilities in the script and directing, particularly in the second half. The ending feels rushed, and the Keystone Cops antics of the Secret Service become unbelievable.
• IMDb: “While boasting an exceptional cast including Eastwood and Hackman, ‘Absolute Power’ falters with a predictable plot and artificial dialogue. Eastwood’s direction lacks heart, leading to flat characters and a generally unconvincing movie experience.
• IMDb: “Despite a strong opening, ‘Absolute Power’ descends into preposterousness and improbability. Characters act in ways inconsistent with reality, and the ending is outlandish. While the talent is evident, the film suffers from laziness and tries to cram too much into too little.

Audience Reactions

Many viewers loved the suspenseful beginning and the strong performances from the cast, especially Clint Eastwood and Gene Hackman.: The audience generally agreed that the film was entertaining, though some found the plot less than believable and the ending anticlimactic.

Overall Consensus: Absolute Power is a decent thriller with a strong cast, but it’s hampered by a somewhat predictable plot and a less-than-satisfying ending. Good for a casual viewing, but not a classic.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Clint Eastwood’s efficient directing style led to the film finishing production three weeks ahead of schedule and under budget.”
• “The film is based on the novel of the same name by David Baldacci.”
• “E.G. Marshall’s role as Walter Sullivan marked his final theatrical movie appearance.”

🖥️ How to Watch Absolute Power?

Absolute Power is available to rent or buy on various digital platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for potential television airings. Unfortunately, it is not currently available on major streaming subscription services like Netflix or Hulu.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Absolute Power, you might like these similar films:

• In the Line of Fire (1993): Shares the theme of Secret Service intrigue and Clint Eastwood facing off against a powerful enemy.
• Wag the Dog (1997): Released the same year, this movie satirizes political spin and manipulation, making it a relevant comparison.
• State of Play (2009): A journalist uncovers a political conspiracy with deadly consequences, similar themes of corruption and cover-ups.
• Enemy of the State (1998): Thematic parallels with government conspiracy and technological surveillance.

🛒 Absolute Power Related Products

• Absolute Power (Blu-ray): Own the movie in high definition and enjoy the suspenseful story with enhanced visuals and sound.
• Eastwood: A Filmmaker’s Journey: A documentary exploring Clint Eastwood’s career as an actor and director, featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
• David Baldacci Collection: Read the original David Baldacci novel that inspired the movie and explore his other thrilling novels.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Gene Hackman as President Richmond: A stylized collectible figure of Gene Hackman in his role as President Richmond from Absolute Power. Great for display and adding to any Funko Pop! collection.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Power Waltz” – performed by Clint Eastwood

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Spinning Bin Laden – Absolute Power – BBC comedy

You won’t believe what Stephen Fry’s character in ‘Absolute Power’ gets up to in this hilarious clip! It’s a crazy take on public relations, and honestly, it’s comedy gold.

✨ Rate