Pollock
Today's movie scene is littered with examples of well-known actors pimping their services for big-budget schlock in the name of "earning" a quick paycheck. In the case of Pollock, the opposite is true: Ed Harris (The Truman Show) nurtured the project for 15 years, investing his own money in the film, raising additional capital and commissioning the screenplay. He also stars in and makes his directorial debut with Pollock.
Of course, the best intentions don't guarantee a good final product, which is why it's such a pleasure to report that Pollock is a resounding success, one of the finest films of 2000.
In case you didn't know, the Pollock of the title is Jackson Pollock, a visionary American artist who came into prominence in the 1950s and is probably best known for his famous "drip" painting technique. As the film begins, though, Pollock is simply a struggling artist who also happens to be a drunkard with low self esteem and limited social skills.
Things take a turn for the better when he meets Lee Krasner (Space Cowboys' Marcia Gay Harden), a talented artist in her own right who recognizes Pollock's talent and helps bring it to the attention of leading art critics. Before long, Pollock finds himself the toast of the art world and a mini-celebrity.
But even as he achieves success, Pollock continues to battle his personal demons, notably his continuing struggle with alcoholism. If that's not enough to put a strain on his relationship with Krasner, his affairs with young starstuck girls like Ruth Klingman (Jennifer Connelly, Requiem For A Dream) don't help. Can Pollock's art keep his personal demons from destroying him? See this riveting film and find out.
Put simply, Pollock features acting at a higher level. Harris, always a good actor, was Oscar nominated for his role - and he should have won. He cuts to the character's wounded core with an authenticity that's rarely matched in film. If that's not enough, Harris also does an amazing job of bringing Pollock's painting technique to life, converting blank canvas to vivid painting right before our eyes. I'm only a casual art fan, but after this film I was ready to pick up a brush and attack the canvas myself.
Gay Harden is sensational as well, showing us Krasner's love for Pollock and the sacrificies she made for him, but always coming across as that rarity in American films -- a strong female character. Her surprising Oscar win for Best Supporting Actress was well-deserved.
Other familiar faces in the cast include Bud Cort (of Harold and Maude cult fame), a surprisingly effective Stephanie Seymour (yes, the supermodel), and Val Kilmer (who has all of two speaking lines, if that many).
As a director, Harris boasts a smart, economical style that's similar in some ways to his Absolute Power costar, Clint Eastwood (who also directed that film). Like Eastwood, Harris knows how to direct with an occasional flourish (the exciting painting scenes really draw you into the experience), and also recognizes when a spare, darker approach is best (as in some of the drinking scenes).
Aided by a solid screenplay by Barbara Turner and Susan J. Emshiller, Pollock transcends traditional "tormented artist" cliches and stands as an impressive piece of art in its own right. Art fans and film lovers won't want to miss it.
Send any comments/ feedback to the author.
Pollock's whiskey-pounding scenes define hardcore, but the repercussions of his binge drinking will make you take pause before you refill that whiskey glass (or, more likely, your cup of Milwaukee's Best).
Despite the oft-depressing subject matter, this movie has some date flick potential, especially if your date is an art fan.
Buy this movie from Amazon.com
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