Watch Absolute Power
- R
- 1997
- 2 hr 1 min
-
6.7 (60,726)
In the 1997 political thriller Absolute Power, directed by and starring Clint Eastwood, we see the dark underbelly of American politics and the themes of power, corruption, and moral ambiguity. The movie also features talented actors Gene Hackman and Ed Harris in pivotal roles. The story follows Luther Whitney (Clint Eastwood), a seasoned thief who breaks into the mansion of Walter Sullivan (Gene Hackman), a wealthy and politically connected man, with plans to steal valuable artifacts. However, Whitney stumbles upon Sullivan and his mistress Laura (Melora Hardin) engaged in a violent and deadly encounter. Whitney manages to escape unnoticed with the evidence of the murder, but soon realizes he has what Sullivan and his associates desperately want back - the pictures.
As Sullivan's team of advisors and law enforcement, including Detective Seth Frank (Ed Harris), begin to cover up the murder and track down Whitney, he must find a way to outsmart them and bring the truth to light. Along the way, Whitney is aided by his daughter Kate (Laura Linney), with whom he has a strained relationship due to his criminal past.
Absolute Power shines in its ability to keep the audience guessing and tension high as Whitney navigates a dangerous world of political cover-ups and powerful individuals seeking to protect their interests at all costs. The film also confronts the question of how far one is willing to go to maintain their power and influence in society.
Eastwood brings a stoic presence to Whitney, a man who has lived a life of crime but remains principled and is not afraid to confront the evil he sees around him. Hackman excels in his portrayal of a controlling and ruthless politician who will stop at nothing to protect his secrets. Harris is also excellent in his role as the conflicted and devoted detective, who begins to question the actions of those around him.
The supporting cast, including Linney, Hardin, Scott Glenn, and Dennis Haysbert, add depth and nuance to the film, providing powerful performances that enrich the story.
Absolute Power is a tense and thrilling drama that expertly explores the morality and corruption that exists within power structures. The movie is a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling and features exceptional performances from its lead and supporting actors. If you are a fan of political thrillers or looking for a great movie to keep you on the edge of your seat, Absolute Power is not to be missed.
Absolute Power is a 1997 crime movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 1 minute. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 52.