Clint Eastwood’s Most Hitchcockian Movie: Why Absolute Power Will Surprise You!

Clint Eastwood has worn nearly every hat Hollywood has to offer—actor, producer, writer, director—often simultaneously. Over a career that has spanned decades, he’s gone from iconic roles in westerns to critically acclaimed turns behind the camera, earning multiple Oscars along the way. While Eastwood is best known for films like Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby, one of his lesser-celebrated works, Absolute Power (1997), holds a special place in his filmography. Not only does it showcase his mastery of storytelling, but it also invites comparisons to the legendary “Master of Suspense” himself, Alfred Hitchcock.

A Political Thriller with an Old-Fashioned Feel

Adapted from David Baldacci’s novel, Absolute Power stars Eastwood as Luther Whitney, a skilled jewel thief who inadvertently witnesses a murder linked to the President of the United States (played by Gene Hackman). The film blends political intrigue with a tightly wound thriller structure, focusing more on character dynamics and moral dilemmas than on pyrotechnics. Speaking to The Standard Times prior to the movie’s release, Eastwood explained his restrained approach: “Some Clint Eastwood movies would have demanded that kind of heroics. But the guy I’m playing in this movie is a master thief. It’s something he probably does for the thrill of it. He’s sacrificed his family to do it, something like an alcoholic or a drug addict would.”

The deliberate pacing, layered characters, and avoidance of over-the-top action set pieces earned the film a reputation as a throwback to a more classic style of filmmaking. As Eastwood reflected, “Someone told me that Absolute Power reminded him of an old-fashioned movie. That really pleased me. I’d like to think this is a movie Alfred Hitchcock could have directed.”

Why the Hitchcock Comparison Fits

Hitchcock’s influence looms large over any filmmaker working in the thriller genre, and Eastwood’s directorial choices in Absolute Power clearly echo Hitchcock’s storytelling philosophy. Known for his meticulous visual style, Hitchcock relied on carefully composed shots, controlled lighting, and subtle framing to build tension. He often employed long takes and close-ups to convey character emotions and advance the plot without relying on heavy dialogue. Similarly, Eastwood, who tends to favor understated performances, brought a sense of visual restraint and emotional complexity to Absolute Power, letting the suspense unfold naturally.

Moreover, Hitchcock’s films were often driven by morally ambiguous protagonists caught in extraordinary circumstances—characters who are far from perfect but manage to earn the audience’s sympathy. Luther Whitney’s predicament as a thief entangled in a political conspiracy mirrors this dynamic. While Whitney’s criminal background sets him apart from typical heroes, his resourcefulness and resolve to expose the truth make him compelling, much like the flawed but fascinating characters Hitchcock loved to feature.

A Lesser-Known Gem in a Storied Career

Absolute Power may not have reached the critical heights of Eastwood’s Oscar-winning dramas, but it stands out as a unique entry in his body of work. Its tightly woven plot, atmospheric tension, and emphasis on character over spectacle make it a film worth revisiting. And for Eastwood himself, the Hitchcock comparison remains a point of pride, underscoring his ability to craft suspenseful, character-driven stories that resonate long after the credits roll.

In reflecting on Absolute Power, Eastwood encapsulated the essence of Hitchcockian filmmaking: “That really pleased me. I’d like to think this is a movie Alfred Hitchcock could have directed.” It’s a sentiment that speaks not just to one film, but to Eastwood’s broader respect for classic cinema and his ongoing effort to tell stories with timeless appeal.