Power (1986)

55% of critics liked it
(11 reviews)
42% of users liked it
(1,989 ratings)

A star-studded cast portrays political movers and shakers in this drama about politics and the media. Richard Gere is Pete St. John, a gilt-edged "image" advisor to the likes of powerful and often crooked politicians -- including a South American candidate for the top office in his country and,… More A star-studded cast portrays political movers and shakers in this drama about politics and the media. Richard Gere is Pete St. John, a gilt-edged "image" advisor to the likes of powerful and often crooked politicians -- including a South American candidate for the top office in his country and, reluctantly, a conservative industrialist named Jerome Cade (J.T. Walsh). Cade is after a Senate seat vacated by Sam Hastings (E.G. Marshall), a liberal politician who fits in with the views that Pete once upheld. When things start to go wrong, it looks like Cade's gruff advisor Arnold Billings (Denzel Washington) might hold one of the keys to Pete's discovery of the truth about Cade -- and may be the reason why Hastings is leaving his job. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 51 min.
Directed By: Sidney Lumet
Written By: David Himmelstein
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Jan 31, 1986 Wide
On DVD: May 18, 1999
Studio: Lorimar Home Video

Critic Reviews

Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
There is little of the gratuitous hysteria that usually mars Lumet's work, and David Himmelstein's busy script keeps things moving, though at the price of losing track of a couple of significant subplots.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
The movie seems to be asking us to walk out of the theater shaking our heads in disillusionment, but I was more puzzled than disillusioned.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
A misfire satire that preaches against slick political practices by high-powered political consultants.
Clint Morris, Film Threat
Gere is a revelation
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Presents a provocative glimpse of the important role media experts play in the political process today.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Jim H

In an earlier review I mentioned that corruption on the police force is a theme Lumet beats to death, but in Power he gets to beat up the media too, just as he did in Network. But as Roger Ebert says, "Network had a plot, and Power does not." The film seems to explore… More
In an earlier review I mentioned that corruption on the police force is a theme Lumet beats to death, but in Power he gets to beat up the media too, just as he did in Network. But as Roger Ebert says, "Network had a plot, and Power does not." The film seems to explore several issues that, in 2010, we now accept as commonplace. We realize - or at least should realize - that we basically vote on politicians based on the efficacy of their media consultants. In all honesty, I can't remember if I knew this in 1986, so I don't know if Lumet is exploring new ground. Also, I don't think Power is structurally sound. It seems awfully episodic and stagey. I normally don't blame a film for this, but the piling on of scene upon scene with stagnant shots and relatively stagnant dialogue affects the film's pace. Finally, Lumet gives little clues as to who the bad guy is. In Find Me Guilty, the prosecutor has a whiny, petulant moment, and I immediately knew he was going to lose. In Power, Washington's character is introduced associating with an Arab, and in Hollywood, Arabs equal "bad" and "oil." Yes, Power is more than a little bit racist. On the bright side, it was great seeing Denzel Washington saying "fuck."
Cassie H

I really enjoyed this movie. Excellent actors and a great storyline. That's what I look for in a movie :)

Cast

            Richard Gere as Pete St. John

            Julie Christie as Ellen Freeman

            Gene Hackman as Wilfred Buckley

            Kate Capshaw as Sydney Betterman

            Denzel Washington as Arnold Billing

            E.G. Marshall as Sen. Sam Hastings

            Beatrice Straight as Claire Hastings

            Fritz Weaver as Wallace Furman

            Michael Learned as Gov. Andrea Stannard

            J.T. Walsh as Jerome Cade

            E. Katherine Kerr as Irene Furman

            Polly Rowles as Lucille DeWitt

            Matt Salinger as Phillip Aarons

            Tom Mardirosian as Sheikh

            Omar Torres as Robert Cepeda

            Jackson Beck as The Voice

            Darryl Edwards as Waiter

            Robert Fieldsteel as Assistant Director

            Roger Grimsby as Commentator

            Kevin Hagen as Cop

            Margaret Hall as Commentator

            Donna Hanover as Commentator

            Scott Harlan as Ralph Andropwicz

            Noel Harrison as Leonard Thompson

            Jessica James as Helen

            Glenn Kezer as Frank McKuster

            Burke Pearson as City Clerk

            Janet Sarno as Moderator

            Ron Stein as Stunt Cameraman

            D.B. Sweeney as College Student

            Rick van Nutter as Charles Whiting

            Kristi Witker as Commentator

            Margaret Barker as Wealthy Matron

            Frank Casey as Commentator

            Leila Danette as Poor Woman

            Linda de Niro as Desk Clerk

            Nick Flynn as Wilson Jacobs

            Ricardo Gallarzo as Interpreter

            Jim Hartz as Commentator

            Brad Holbrook as Commentator

            Timothy Jecko as Business Executive

            Elizabeth Kendrick as Receptionist

            Lynn Klugman as Video Technician

            Robert Krüger as Barry

            Douglas Newell as David Garber

            Martha Pinson as Assistant

            Marvin Scott as Anchorman

            Gregory Wagrowski as Assistant Director

            Jack Zahniser as Pilot

            John Evans as 1st Senator

            Ed Van Nuys as Charles Whiting
See full cast