Absolute Power
On video July 8, 1997
Rating: R
Studio site: Absolute Power
Stars: Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Ed Harris, Laura Linney
Clint Eastwood stars as Luther Whitney, an old fashioned burglar planning
an ultimate heist. He didn't expect to see a murder just take the goods
and get out. What he saw however, was a sexual encounter that ended in
murder. But it wasn't just any murder, it involved the President of the
United States, Alan Richmond, played by Gene Hackman. Now Luther's life
is turned upside down as he is the lone eyewitness to the murder who could
give away the President's secret. Luther starts to run, but he is convinced
to stay and confront his situation by a very superficial speech that Richmond
gives about his desire to catch the murderer.
Eastwood is brilliant as the aging thief Whitney. He is able to move with
both grace and efficiency through the role, always staying a step ahead
of the White House staff and their attempt to cover up the incident. The
supporting cast of the film in the White House includes such proven talent
as Hackman, Scott Glenn, Judy Davis, and Dennis Haysbert. They march through
their roles with relative ease and provide an excellent supporting cast
for Eastwood.
The story unfortunately starts out with a rather slow backdrop provided
in the first 15 minutes or so of the film. But once Hackman enters the
room, the pace quickens immensely. While Hackman's early erotic scene starts
as amusing, it quickly becomes sickening. This scene made my stomach turn
almost as much as watching the rape scene in The Accused. Unfortunately,
however, it shows the sheer brutality of the act that was taking place.
Overall I would recommend the film, but there is a better political thriller
that Hackman took part in years ago called No Way Out with Kevin
Costner. This film is definitely worth a viewing though.
Grade: B
Parents Guide: Rated R for language, violence, and intense sexual suggestion.
The early sex scene made my gut wrench, but after it is over the movie
settles into it's pace. However with that scene in the film, I would definitely
not recommend this film for any younger viewers. Parents would definitely
be strongly cautioned about letting any younger ones see the film first
20-25 minutes.
Comments to: bugzy@ticon.net
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