# Absolute Power

> 1997 film by Clint Eastwood

**Wikidata**: [Q332497](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q332497)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absolute_Power_(film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/absolute-power

## Summary
Absolute Power is a 1997 American political thriller film directed by and starring Clint Eastwood, based on the novel by David Baldacci. The film follows a master thief who witnesses a murder involving the President of the United States and becomes entangled in a dangerous cover-up.

## Key Facts
- Release date: February 14, 1997 (United States)
- Director: Clint Eastwood
- Lead actor: Clint Eastwood (Luther Whitney)
- Screenplay: William Goldman (uncredited), based on David Baldacci's novel
- Production companies: Castle Rock Entertainment, Malpaso Productions
- Distributor: Columbia Pictures
- Running time: 121 minutes
- Budget: $50 million
- Box office: $50,068,310 worldwide
- IMDb ID: tt0118548
- Rotten Tomatoes rating: 56%
- Metacritic score: 52/100
- IMDb rating: 5.7/10
- Country of origin: United States
- Genre: Political thriller, crime drama

## FAQs
**What is the plot of Absolute Power?**
The film centers on Luther Whitney, a veteran jewel thief who witnesses the murder of a woman during a burglary at a billionaire's mansion. The victim was having an affair with the President of the United States, who was present during the crime. When the Secret Service covers up the incident, Whitney becomes a target while trying to expose the truth.

**Who are the main cast members besides Clint Eastwood?**
The film features Gene Hackman as President Alan Richmond, Ed Harris as Detective Seth Frank, Laura Linney as Kate Whitney (Luther's daughter), Scott Glenn as Tim Collin, Dennis Haysbert as Bill Burton, and Judy Davis as Gloria Russell.

**What is the source material for the film?**
The screenplay is based on the 1996 novel "Absolute Power" by David Baldacci, which was his debut novel and became a bestseller.

**How was the film received by critics and audiences?**
The film received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for Eastwood's direction and the performances, particularly Gene Hackman's portrayal of the President. However, some critics found the plot implausible. It has a 56% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 52.

**What is the significance of the title "Absolute Power"?**
The title refers to the corrupting influence of power, particularly absolute power, as embodied by the President's ability to orchestrate a cover-up. It also alludes to the idea that someone with absolute power can act with impunity, which is central to the film's political thriller elements.

## Why It Matters
Absolute Power matters as a notable entry in the political thriller genre that explores themes of corruption, power, and moral ambiguity at the highest levels of government. The film's premise—a President involved in a murder cover-up—taps into public skepticism about political authority and the abuse of power. Directed by Clint Eastwood during his peak as both an actor and filmmaker, the movie showcases his ability to helm complex narratives while delivering a compelling performance. The film also represents an adaptation of a bestselling novel, demonstrating the ongoing relationship between popular literature and Hollywood cinema. Its exploration of the tension between individual morality and institutional corruption continues to resonate with audiences concerned about political accountability.

## Notable For
- Clint Eastwood's dual role as director and lead actor
- Gene Hackman's portrayal of a morally compromised U.S. President
- Adaptation of David Baldacci's bestselling debut novel
- High-profile political thriller exploring presidential corruption
- $50 million budget making it a significant studio production
- Mixed critical reception highlighting debates about plausibility in political thrillers
- Box office performance nearly matching its production budget
- Featuring Ed Harris and Laura Linney in supporting roles before their rise to greater prominence
- Exploration of themes about power, corruption, and moral compromise
- Being part of Eastwood's late-career renaissance as a director

## Body

### Production and Development
Absolute Power was produced by Malpaso Productions, Clint Eastwood's production company founded in 1967 and headquartered in Burbank, California. The film was also produced in association with Castle Rock Entertainment, an American film and television production company founded in June 1985. The project was distributed by Columbia Pictures, a major Hollywood studio. The screenplay was written by William Goldman, though he went uncredited, based on the novel by David Baldacci. The film had a substantial budget of $50 million, reflecting its status as a major studio thriller with high production values.

### Cast and Characters
Clint Eastwood stars as Luther Whitney, a career jewel thief whose life is upended when he witnesses a murder. Gene Hackman plays President Alan Richmond, the central antagonist whose abuse of power drives the plot. Ed Harris portrays Detective Seth Frank, the investigator who becomes involved in the case. Laura Linney plays Kate Whitney, Luther's estranged daughter who works as a prosecutor. The supporting cast includes Scott Glenn as Tim Collin, Dennis Haysbert as Bill Burton, and Judy Davis as Gloria Russell, all playing key roles in the political conspiracy.

### Release and Distribution
The film premiered in the United States on February 14, 1997, with additional release dates in May of the same year. It was distributed by Columbia Pictures, reaching theaters across the country. The film's release positioned it as a major Hollywood thriller during the competitive winter/spring movie season. With a running time of 121 minutes, it represented a substantial cinematic experience for audiences seeking political suspense.

### Critical Reception and Performance
Absolute Power received mixed reviews from film critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 56% approval rating, indicating a divided critical response. Metacritic assigned the film a score of 52 out of 100, also suggesting mixed or average reviews. Audiences on IMDb gave it a rating of 5.7 out of 10. While critics praised Eastwood's direction and the performances, particularly Gene Hackman's portrayal of the President, some found the plot's premise—involving a President's involvement in murder and cover-up—to be implausible or far-fetched.

### Cultural and Genre Context
As a political thriller, Absolute Power fits within a tradition of Hollywood films that explore corruption and abuse of power within government institutions. The film's premise of presidential involvement in criminal activity reflects broader cultural anxieties about political authority and the potential for corruption at the highest levels. The movie was released during a period when political thrillers were experiencing renewed interest, and it contributed to ongoing discussions about the relationship between power, morality, and accountability in democratic systems.

### Technical and Artistic Elements
The film was shot in the United States, with production taking advantage of various locations to create the atmosphere of political intrigue and suspense. Eastwood's direction emphasized the tension between the protagonist's criminal background and his moral awakening upon witnessing the murder. The cinematography and pacing were designed to maintain suspense while developing the complex relationships between characters, particularly the father-daughter dynamic between Luther and Kate Whitney.

### Legacy and Impact
While Absolute Power did not achieve the critical acclaim of some of Eastwood's other directorial efforts, it remains a notable entry in his filmography and in the political thriller genre. The film's exploration of presidential corruption and the abuse of power continues to resonate with audiences, particularly in an era of increased scrutiny of political institutions. The movie also helped solidify David Baldacci's reputation as a bestselling author whose works would continue to be adapted for film and television.

### Related Entities and Connections
The film is connected to several notable entities in the entertainment industry. Castle Rock Entertainment, one of the production companies, has been involved in numerous successful films and television series. Malpaso Productions, Eastwood's company, has produced many of his directorial efforts since the 1970s. The film's connection to the United States as its country of origin and setting is central to its narrative about presidential power and American political institutions. The adaptation from Baldacci's novel also connects the film to the broader tradition of literary adaptations in Hollywood cinema.

## References

1. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
2. The Movie Database
3. Absolute Power. Rotten Tomatoes
4. [IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118548/releaseinfo)
5. IMDb
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Kinopoisk
8. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/absolute-power/)
9. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/absolute-power-sbs-versie/)
10. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
11. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
12. Online-Filmdatenbank
13. mymovies.it
14. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/AD07-29DE-C0D3-1797-960E-T)
15. Danish Film Database
16. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/94815)
17. Trakt.tv
18. FilmVandaag.nl