Absolute Power

Absolute Power, a 1997 thriller film directed by Clint Eastwood, delves into the intricacies of politics and deception, with a talented ensemble cast showcasing the darker aspects of human nature. The movie begins with an intense and suspenseful sequence, in which a professional thief, Eddie Fowler (played by Christian Clavier), breaks into the home of a wealthy family, with no intention of harming anyone. However, his intentions are soon altered by the unforeseen events that unfold. While the Fowlers are entertaining a visiting dignitary, President Allan Dulles, the latter unexpectedly becomes enraged and accidentally kills the wife, Mrs. Fowler. As this shocking turn unfolds, Eddie inadvertently witnesses the crime. Panicked, he realizes the gravity of the situation and must escape. However, in the chaos that ensues, he inadvertently leaves behind the President's gold Omega watch, an object that would serve as the key to unraveling the entire conspiracy. As Eddie is forced to run, with the weight of the President's dark secret bearing down on him, he unwittingly becomes entangled in a complex web of intrigue and deception. The President, aware of Eddie's presence at the scene of the crime, enlists the help of his advisors, including Alan Richmond (played by Gene Hackman), the cunning and ruthless leader who would stop at nothing to eliminate Eddie and cover up the crime. Meanwhile, the FBI is tasked with tracking down the mysterious thief. Their lead agent, Seth Frank (played by Ed Harris), discovers the gold watch and becomes fixated on catching Eddie. The two men engage in a cat-and-mouse game, with the President pulling the strings from behind the scenes to eliminate the potential threat to his reputation. Throughout his journey, Eddie seeks refuge with his loyal and intelligent accomplice, Lucetta Fox (played by Jamie Lee Curtis). Together, they formulate a plan to clear Eddie's name while protecting him from the ruthless President and his cohorts. As the stakes escalate, the President's advisors continue to concoct new lies to mask the evidence that Eddie possesses. On a deeper level, the movie explores themes of power, corruption, and betrayal. Alan Richmond is portrayed as a manipulative individual who uses people to further his own interests, disregarding the consequences of his actions. His descent into darker territory serves as a reminder of the destructive nature of unchecked power, as well as the ease with which individuals can compromise their morals for the sake of their ambitions. As the tension builds towards a thrilling climax, Eddie and Lucetta find themselves in an increasingly desperate bid to survive and expose the truth. Their ultimate goal is to make the President pay for his actions by bringing him to justice. With time running out, they concoct an elaborate plan to outsmart their adversaries and bring the corrupt President to his knees. The conclusion of Absolute Power culminates in a captivating showdown between Eddie, Lucetta, and the President's henchmen. After evading multiple attempts on his life, Eddie is finally granted a measure of solace when he discovers that Lucetta has managed to expose the President's dark secret to the media. In the aftermath of his ordeal, Eddie is hailed as a hero for exposing the corruption and bringing the President to trial. Ultimately, the gripping and intense Absolute Power offers a thought-provoking commentary on the dangers of unchecked power, deception, and the corrupting influence that it can have on human nature. With a talented ensemble cast and an expertly crafted storyline, Clint Eastwood's direction delivers a thrilling and captivating thriller that will hold viewers in suspense until the very end.