Watch Power Play

Power Play is an intense political thriller from 1978, which presents a gripping portrayal of high-stakes politics, corruption, and treachery. The movie stars Peter O'Toole, David Hemmings, and Donald Pleasence, and is directed by Martyn Burke. The story begins with the death of a Canadian Prime Minister, who is murdered during a diplomatic rendezvous. Soon after, Peter St. John (Peter O'Toole), the Minister of External Affairs, aspires to be the next Prime Minister, but his plans come crashing down when he becomes the primary suspect in the assassination. With the media’s unyielding scrutiny on him, St. John must prove his innocence while fighting to keep his political career intact.

As the story unfolds, we see how St. John is fuelled by his ambition and desire to become the leader of the nation. He knows that the murder investigation is a setup by his rivals to ruin his chances of becoming the Prime Minister. In order to save his reputation, he engages in a power play with the other ministers, who are all vying for the same position.

David Hemmings plays Dave Mitchell, St. John’s press secretary, who is loyal to his boss but begins to doubt his innocence as the murder investigation progresses. The character of Mitchell is used as the audience’s viewpoint, as we see the story unfold from his perspective, often wondering about St. John's true intentions.

Donald Pleasence portrays the role of the eccentric and sinister Archbishop Kartheiser, who has his own agenda and aspirations for taking the position of the Prime Minister. Kartheiser is a cunning and manipulative character who strives to influence the election through his religious fanaticism. His presence in the story adds a layer of dark humor and satirical commentary on the hypocrisy of politics and religion.

The movie is set against the backdrop of a city in turmoil, with protestors and political dissidents filling the streets demanding justice for the assassination of the Prime Minister. The tension builds up as the story progresses, leading to a thrilling and suspenseful climax.

Power Play is a reflection of the political climate of the time and exposes the dark side of government politics. The movie presents an insightful commentary on how personal ambitions and greed can affect the collective consciousness of a nation. At its core, Power Play is a story about power, corruption, betrayal, and redemption, intertwined with intricate characters and their motives.

The performances by the actors are commendable, with Peter O’Toole delivering a powerful portrayal of a man driven by his ambition, David Hemmings playing the skeptical and conflicted press secretary with sincerity, and Donald Pleasence playing the cunning and manipulative Archbishop with aplomb.

The direction by Martyn Burke is crafty and clever, with an engaging screenplay that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The cinematography by Richard Ciupka is stunning, with a dark and gritty atmosphere that complements the story’s themes.

Overall, Power Play is a must-watch for all political thriller enthusiasts. The movie presents a gripping and fascinating story, showcased through remarkable performances and captivating direction. It is a timeless movie that remains relevant even today, with its commentary on the political climate and human desires.

Power Play is a 1978 thriller. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.