Power * (1986, Richard Gere, Julie Christie, Gene Hackman, Kate Capshaw, Denzel Washington, E G Marshall) – Classic Movie Review 12,004

Director Sidney Lumet’s 1985 drama film Power stars Richard Gere, Julie Christie, Gene Hackman, Kate Capshaw, Denzel Washington, E G Marshall, Beatrice Straight, Fritz Weaver, Michael Learned, J T Walsh, and Matt Salinger.

Richard Gere gives a listless turn as a canny media consultant, a political spin doctor who despises the politicians he markets, in a tired and unpersuasive public relations exposé yarn from the usually riveting director Lumet.

The disappointingly tame script by David Himmelstein and the surprisingly naff performances of the high-calibre cast spike an intriguing premise. Though it is a well-turned out movie, with distinguished cinematography from Andzej Bartkowiak and a strong score by Cy Coleman, it is a rare washout from Lumet.

Gere, Christie and Hackman are not acting on top form.

Also in the cast are E Katherine Kerr, Polly Rowles, Tom Mardirosian, Omar Torres, Ricardo Gallarzo Jr, Jessica James, Glenn Kezer, Douglas Newell, Scott Harlan, Nick Flynn, Ed Van Nuys and Noel Harrison.

© Derek Winnert 2022 Classic Movie Review 12,004

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