Absence of Malice (1981) review

Overenthusiastic journalist Megan Carter (Sally Field) runs a story in the Miami Standard linking wholesale liquor salesman Michael Gallagher (Paul Newman), the son of a bootlegger who allegedly has connections to the Mafia, to the disappearance of union leader Joseph Diaz - since he's innocent, he sets out to clear his name, with him and Megan having a brief romance along the way.  Its primary function is as a tutorial for anyone considering getting into the field (as well as those already working in that area) and advising against producing articles that could hurt people - Gallagher's close friend Teresa (Melinda Dillon) makes the mistake of divulging to Megan what actually transpired (which, naturally, gets printed) - except the second half of the film is not just lethargic but implausible, as Gallagher concocts a way to outsmart literally everyone (including the Department of Justice) leading to what the movie thinks is a tidy conclusion.  At least the performances are strong: Newman is notably taciturn (the grim scene in the warehouse where he loses his composure and ravages Megan is his only real moment of weakness), Field's character becomes visibly deflated when everything she does backfires, and then the iconic Wilford Brimley pops in to smack heads.  But what I was left wondering was: whatever did happen to Mr. Diaz?  Was he stuffed in barrel?  Did he become a snack for aquatic life?  Or was he buried under the old Miami Orange Bowl?