The opening sequences of Absolute Power represent some of the best work Clint Eastwood has so far achieved as director.
In a series of dialogue-less scenes, the character of Luther Whitney is powerfully established. He`s a thief, but a principled one - and he`s very professional. His latest heist, in the home of a multi-millionaire, is interrupted when a couple arrive unexpectedly for a sexual tryst - and, as Whitney watches through a 2-way mirror, he`s horrified to see foreplay turn to violence and murder. Adding to the horror is the fact that the man is none other than the President of the United States, Alan Richmond, played by Gene Hackman.
Police Chief Ed Harris is assigned to the case while Whitney himself is determined that this prime example of presidential sleaze and corruption shan`t go unpunished...
The bulk of Absolute Power deals with the efforts of the President`s security men, Scott Glenn, Dennis Haysbert, and his chief of staff, Judy Davis, to cover up their boss`s crime and eliminate Whitney, the only witness. It`s a good thriller plot, though things do go a bit awry in the final reel. But, for most of its length, this is an intelligent, suspenseful, superbly crafted and finely acted thriller, with Eastwood himself impressing once again as both actor and director.
