Power (1986 film)

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Power (1986) — Short Summary

Power is a 1986 American political thriller directed by Sidney Lumet. The story follows Pete St. John, a ruthless media consultant hired by wealthy but little-known candidate Jerome Cade to win a Senate seat. St. John clashes with Arnold Billings, a rival public relations expert hired by Cade’s campaign. When Billings starts sabotaging St. John—tapping phones, causing problems at his offices, and interfering with his other clients—St. John is forced to confront what his success has cost him, including his relationship with his ex-wife Ellen Freeman and his former partner Wilfred Buckley. The film explores how power can corrupt people and affect those around them.

Cast: Richard Gere as Pete St. John; Denzel Washington as Arnold Billings; Julie Christie as Ellen Freeman; Gene Hackman as Jerome Cade; Kate Capshaw; E.G. Marshall; Beatrice Straight.

Production and background: Screenplay by David Himmelstein, inspired by political TV ads and campaign research. Burt Reynolds was originally cast as St. John but had to withdraw after dental issues; Gere later took the role. Filming began April 1, 1985, largely in New York City (with shoots in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Santa Fe, and Seattle). Some interior scenes were filmed in hotels; a key debate moment was shot in a makeup room. The film premiered at the United States Film Festival on January 19, 1986.

Release and reception: Budget was about $14 million; box office around $3.8 million; runtime 111 minutes. It wide-released January 31, 1986. Critical responses were mixed: Vincent Canby called it smug and witless, while Roger Ebert appreciated the writing and performances but found the second half episodic. On Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic, the film holds around 50%.