Power is a 1986 American political drama film directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Richard Gere. The original screenplay by David Himmelstein focuses on political corruption and how power affects both those who wield it and the people they try to control. The film features a star-studded cast, including Julie Christie, Gene Hackman, Kate Capshaw, Denzel Washington, E.G. Marshall, Beatrice Straight, Fritz Weaver, and Michael Learned.
The film received mixed reviews, with some critics praising the performances and direction, while others criticized the episodic nature of the plot and lack of a clear-cut issue. Despite this, the film has gained a cult following over the years and is considered a classic of the political drama genre. The film has a runtime of 111 minutes and is rated R for language and some violence.
Plot
The film follows Pete St. John (Richard Gere), a political consultant who works for Senator Sam Hastings (E.G. Marshall) and is tasked with helping him win the presidential nomination. As the campaign progresses, St. John becomes increasingly disillusioned with the political process and the compromises he has to make to win.
St. John's personal life also begins to unravel as he becomes involved with a woman named Ellen Freeman (Julie Christie), who is married to a wealthy businessman with ties to the oil industry. Meanwhile, St. John's colleague, Arnold Billings (Denzel Washington), is hired by a rival candidate and begins to use dirty tactics to undermine Hastings' campaign.
In the end, Hastings loses the nomination, and St. John decides to leave politics behind and start a new life.
Trailer
Cast
- Richard Gere as Pete St. John
- Julie Christie as Ellen Freeman
- Gene Hackman as Wilfred Buckley
- Kate Capshaw as Andrea Livingston
- Denzel Washington as Arnold Billings
- E.G. Marshall as Senator Sam Hastings
- Beatrice Straight as Claire Hastings
- Fritz Weaver as Jerome Cade
- Michael Learned as Irene Furman
- J.T. Walsh as Phil Aarons
Director: Sidney Lumet
Writer: David Himmelstein
Box Office Gross: $3,800,000
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Genre: Drama
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 31, 1986
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2009
