Absolute Power
A master thief coincidentally is robbing a house where a murder—in which the President of the United States is involved—occurs in front of his eyes. He is forced to run, while holding evidence that could convict the President.
Working with a respectable budget of $50.0M, the film achieved a modest success with $50.1M in global revenue (+0% profit margin).
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Absolute Power (1997) exemplifies meticulously timed narrative design, characteristic of Clint Eastwood's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 1 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.5, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Characters
Cast & narrative archetypes
Luther Whitney
President Alan Richmond
Kate Whitney
Seth Frank
Gloria Russell
Bill Burton
Tim Collin
Main Cast & Characters
Luther Whitney
Played by Clint Eastwood
A master thief who witnesses a murder involving the President and becomes hunted for what he knows.
President Alan Richmond
Played by Gene Hackman
The corrupt President of the United States who commits murder and uses his power to cover it up.
Kate Whitney
Played by Laura Linney
Luther's estranged daughter, a prosecutor who must reconcile with her father while uncovering the truth.
Seth Frank
Played by Ed Harris
A persistent detective investigating the murder who gradually pieces together the conspiracy.
Gloria Russell
Played by Judy Davis
The ruthless White House Chief of Staff who orchestrates the cover-up and eliminates witnesses.
Bill Burton
Played by Scott Glenn
A Secret Service agent torn between duty and conscience as he participates in the cover-up.
Tim Collin
Played by Dennis Haysbert
A younger Secret Service agent who follows orders and assists in the conspiracy.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Luther Whitney, an aging master thief, skillfully breaks into a luxury mansion to execute what he intends to be his final heist, demonstrating his expertise and solitary, criminal lifestyle.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 15 minutes when Luther witnesses President Richmond drunkenly attempt to assault Christy Sullivan, then watches in horror as Secret Service agents kill her when she fights back in self-defense. Luther is now the only witness to a murder covered up by the most powerful people in the country.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
At 60 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat False defeat: The Secret Service agents track down and murder Luther's friend Wanda, making it look like a suicide. Luther realizes the stakes have escalated—they will kill anyone connected to him. The game has become deadly serious; innocent people are dying., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 90 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Luther is shot by Secret Service assassin Bill Burton during a confrontation. Though he survives initially, he appears to be dying. This represents both the literal "whiff of death" and the apparent death of his plan to expose the President. All seems lost., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 97 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. The finale unfolds as the conspiracy unravels. Gloria Russell is killed in a confrontation. President Richmond faces exposure and disgrace. Detective Frank assembles the case. Luther, though wounded, survives to see justice done. The truth defeats absolute power., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Absolute Power's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 11 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping Absolute Power against these established plot points, we can identify how Clint Eastwood utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Absolute Power within the crime genre.
Clint Eastwood's Structural Approach
Among the 31 Clint Eastwood films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.5, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. Absolute Power takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Clint Eastwood filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional crime films include The Bad Guys, Batman Forever and 12 Rounds. For more Clint Eastwood analyses, see True Crime, Hereafter and Changeling.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Luther Whitney, an aging master thief, skillfully breaks into a luxury mansion to execute what he intends to be his final heist, demonstrating his expertise and solitary, criminal lifestyle.
Theme
During the burglary, Luther overhears a conversation about power and trust. The theme of absolute power corrupting absolutely is established as he witnesses the President's affair in the Sullivan mansion.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of Luther's world as a master thief planning retirement, his estranged relationship with his daughter Kate, and the introduction of the political world of President Richmond. Luther breaks into the Sullivan mansion and hides in a two-way mirror vault.
Disruption
Luther witnesses President Richmond drunkenly attempt to assault Christy Sullivan, then watches in horror as Secret Service agents kill her when she fights back in self-defense. Luther is now the only witness to a murder covered up by the most powerful people in the country.
Resistance
Luther escapes with evidence but debates what to do. He knows coming forward means certain death. Detective Seth Frank begins investigating the murder. Gloria Russell and the Secret Service try to frame it as a burglary gone wrong. Luther wrestles with his conscience versus survival instinct.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
Luther uses his thief skills to outmaneuver the Secret Service and gather evidence. Cat-and-mouse games ensue as he stays one step ahead. Detective Frank grows suspicious of the official story. The "fun" of watching a master thief outsmart the President's security apparatus.
Midpoint
False defeat: The Secret Service agents track down and murder Luther's friend Wanda, making it look like a suicide. Luther realizes the stakes have escalated—they will kill anyone connected to him. The game has become deadly serious; innocent people are dying.
Opposition
The bad guys close in from all sides. Secret Service agents target Luther directly. Chief of Staff Gloria Russell orchestrates increasingly desperate measures. Kate is put in danger. Luther's attempts to expose the truth are blocked at every turn. Detective Frank gets closer to the truth but faces official obstruction.
Collapse
Luther is shot by Secret Service assassin Bill Burton during a confrontation. Though he survives initially, he appears to be dying. This represents both the literal "whiff of death" and the apparent death of his plan to expose the President. All seems lost.
Crisis
Luther, gravely wounded, processes the cost of his choices. Kate faces losing her father just as they've reconnected. Detective Frank wrestles with the enormity of the conspiracy. The dark night before the dawn—will justice ever prevail against absolute power?
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
The finale unfolds as the conspiracy unravels. Gloria Russell is killed in a confrontation. President Richmond faces exposure and disgrace. Detective Frank assembles the case. Luther, though wounded, survives to see justice done. The truth defeats absolute power.