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Absolute Power

Play trailer Poster for Absolute Power R 1997 2h 0m Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
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58% Tomatometer 57 Reviews 52% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
While robbing the home of aging billionaire Walter Sullivan (E.G. Marshall), Luther Whitney (Clint Eastwood) is interrupted by an amorous couple entering the building. As Whitney hides, he sees Sullivan's young wife, Christy (Melora Hardin), and the U.S. President, Alan Richmond (Gene Hackman). When their affection turns violent, Christy is killed by the Secret Service. Although Whitney flees, he is framed for the murder. Now, he seeks justice with the help of detective Seth Frank (Ed Harris).
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Absolute Power

Absolute Power

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Critics Consensus

Absolute Power collapses under its preposterous plotting despite an all-star cast and Clint Eastwood's deft direction.

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Critics Reviews

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Rita Kempley Washington Post 06/25/2020
Eastwood the director sets a pace so poky that grannies with walkers seem fleet in comparison. Of course, this makes the many plot holes and implausibilities all the more evident... Go to Full Review Jonathan Rosenbaum Chicago Reader 06/25/2020
Clint Eastwood as producer-director-star strikes out in a rather slack thriller that oddly recalls a couple of Hitchcock's lesser movies, To Catch a Thief and Topaz. Go to Full Review Peter Travers Rolling Stone 06/25/2020
Absolute Power is... fresh out of the clichés that reduce most thrillers to formula. Go to Full Review Gary Wolcott Tri-City Herald Apr 23
4/5
Absolute Power is an absolute treasure to those who love a well-told tale of greed and the lust for power. Go to Full Review Yasser Medina Cinefilia 12/07/2021
6/10
A Clint Eastwood film that lays out the ingredients for a well-made political thriller, but its lack of intrigue and calculated effect throws the mix into an unfinished sketch. [Full review in Spanish] Go to Full Review Tom Hutchinson Radio Times 06/25/2020
3/5
Credibility is the main casualty of the piece, but William Goldman's taut script is well realised by thoughtful direction and the high-calibre cast. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Matt L @Mattliptak Feb 18 A solid premise that never quite delivers. Absolute Power has the makings of a gripping political thriller, but it leans too heavily on familiar territory—especially with Gene Hackman playing yet another morally corrupt power figure, this time as the President. Clint Eastwood is steady and reliable as always, and the supporting cast is undeniably strong—Laura Linney, E.G. Marshall, Scott Glenn, and Ed Harris all bring credibility and moments of intrigue. But despite the talent involved, the film never builds the tension or urgency it promises. It moves along fine, has its moments, but ultimately feels flat and predictable. Not a bad watch, just an average, forgettable entry that doesn’t live up to its potential. See more Phoebe H @Hods_phoe Jan 27 This film was nothing like the book plot which was a HUGE letdown. The removal of one of the key characters and the re-writing of the plot meant this film was nothing close to what I imagined it. A real shame as I was looking forward to seeing the screen adaptation however I’d rather not have bothered. Overall acting is good and feels fitting for the time but I just can’t get over the inaccuracies. See more Damon S @Drumnz Dec 7 The only thing absolute about this dire flick is that it is an absolute disgrace. The final insult to reason is when the president supposedly stabs himself to death. Seriously? We should be so lucky in 2025. See more thiago s @Thiagostone Aug 30 Filme fraco, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são fracas, a história é fraca, o elenco é fraco, e ninguém ajuda a melhorar o filme, os personagens são fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes, para fazer o filme ser bom See more Andres B @AndrewBP Jul 22 Not Clint Eastwood's best film but still better than 90% of the films of his era and better than 99% of the current ones. Super entertaining. See more Mikey B @RT95501973 May 18 Clint Eastwood directs and stars in an all star cast. The plot however is all over the place. The suspense is minimal. Not one of Clint's best See more Read all reviews
Absolute Power

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Clint Eastwood

Director

Clint Eastwood

Luther Whitney

Gene Hackman

President Allen Richmond

Ed Harris

Seth Frank

Laura Linney

Kate Whitney

Judy Davis

Gloria Russell

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Absolute Power

Absolute Power (1997) Absolute Power (1997) Absolute Power (1997) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis While robbing the home of aging billionaire Walter Sullivan (E.G. Marshall), Luther Whitney (Clint Eastwood) is interrupted by an amorous couple entering the building. As Whitney hides, he sees Sullivan's young wife, Christy (Melora Hardin), and the U.S. President, Alan Richmond (Gene Hackman). When their affection turns violent, Christy is killed by the Secret Service. Although Whitney flees, he is framed for the murder. Now, he seeks justice with the help of detective Seth Frank (Ed Harris).
Director
Clint Eastwood
Producer
Clint Eastwood, Karen S. Spiegel
Production Co
Malpaso Company, Castle Rock Entertainment
Rating
R
Genre
Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 15, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA)
$50.0M
Runtime
2h 0m
Sound Mix
Surround
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