IMDb6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes73%
Metacritic68/100
Google Users84%
Director: Sydney Pollack•Genres: Drama, Crime
A Miami newspaper columnist, Megan Carter, gets caught in a web of deceit when she is fed a false story about a crime suspect by a corrupt prosecutor. Believing the information to be true, she publishes an exposé that ruins the innocent man's reputation and threatens his life. As Megan investigates further, she uncovers a conspiracy involving powerful figures who manipulated the media for their own gain. The film follows her struggle to expose the truth while dealing with the personal consequences of her actions.
Absence of Malice was met with generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its compelling narrative, strong performances, and its exploration of journalistic ethics. While some found the plot somewhat contrived, the film was widely seen as a thought-provoking examination of the power and responsibility of the press.
Praised for its sharp critique of journalistic practices and the ethical dilemmas faced by reporters.
Sally Field and Paul Newman deliver powerful and nuanced performances.
The film effectively builds suspense and raises important questions about truth and accountability.
Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the film's intelligent script and the compelling performances, particularly from its lead actors. Many found it to be a thought-provoking drama that effectively highlighted the potential for journalistic errors and their severe consequences.
Nominated for 3 Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama (Paul Newman), and Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama (Sally Field).
The character of Megan Carter was inspired by real-life investigative journalist Janet Cooke, who famously fabricated a Pulitzer Prize-winning story for The Washington Post.
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