'Absence of Malice', Directed by the late/great Sydney Pollack, is well-acted, but flawed. The performances are in complete command, but the writing material as well as the pacing, play a spoilsport.
'Absence of Malice' Synopsis: When a prosecutor leaks a false story that a liquor warehouse owner is involved in the murder of an union head, the man's life begins to unravel.
'Absence of Malice' suffers from slow-pacing & an erratic Screenplay. The first-hour, especially, disappoints because of the two above mentioned problems. The second-hour starts with force & maintains a certain mood, although the culmination is strictly okay.
Kurt Luedtke's Screenplay is alright. How one wishes if the first-hour had a stronger punch! Pollack's Direction, like always, is competent, but the Writing Material doesn't do justice to his work. Cinematography is rich, while the Editing needed some serious persuasion.
Performance-Wise: The late/great Paul Newman & Sally Field are the life of 'Absence of Malice'. Newman is masterful in his part, while Field delivers a knock-out performance. Also superb is Melinda Dillon, who enacts a challenging role, with brilliance.
On the whole, Watch 'Absence of Malice' for some fine acting.
'Absence of Malice' Synopsis: When a prosecutor leaks a false story that a liquor warehouse owner is involved in the murder of an union head, the man's life begins to unravel.
'Absence of Malice' suffers from slow-pacing & an erratic Screenplay. The first-hour, especially, disappoints because of the two above mentioned problems. The second-hour starts with force & maintains a certain mood, although the culmination is strictly okay.
Kurt Luedtke's Screenplay is alright. How one wishes if the first-hour had a stronger punch! Pollack's Direction, like always, is competent, but the Writing Material doesn't do justice to his work. Cinematography is rich, while the Editing needed some serious persuasion.
Performance-Wise: The late/great Paul Newman & Sally Field are the life of 'Absence of Malice'. Newman is masterful in his part, while Field delivers a knock-out performance. Also superb is Melinda Dillon, who enacts a challenging role, with brilliance.
On the whole, Watch 'Absence of Malice' for some fine acting.