Pollock (2000)

Yawn. Poorly Filmed Snooze Fest.

Absolutely the worst movie.

Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

There is very little to downright complain about in Pollock - a well made, well acted film made very effectively for its budget. That being said, it is inaccurate to say that the film doesn't drag in places, but it is hard to point the finger and say where something could have been cut. Pollock has a niche in art fans like actor/director/producer Ed Harris, and it is to Harris' credit that he has not dumbed down the movie in order to reach wider appeal. Instead, he has created a film that does justice to the artist and will satisfy art fans. To those who are less than familiar or interested in Pollock the artist, the film still holds a must-see element in the form of Ed Harris' captivating performance as Jackson Pollock. Harris is completely at home in Pollock's skin, whether it is painting in the many techniques of Pollock, or whether he is simultaneously riding a bike, drinking, smoking and opening a bottle, the performance is simply marvelous. This is undoubtedly the performance of Harris' long career and it is a travesty that Russell Crowe took home the Lead Actor Oscar for his generic action hero role. Marcia Gay Harden plays Lee Krasner with conviction, but it is unfortunate that her skill is eclipsed to a great extent by Harris. There are some wonderful moments in her performance, but this is really Harris' show and he pulls it off with great success.

Jackson Pollock (Ed Harris) is famous with a Life magazine cover in 1950. The movie flashes back to 1941. He's a drunk staying in Greenwich Village with his brother and pregnant wife. Artist Lee Krasner (Marcia Gay Harden) shows some interest and becomes his lover/supporter. His brother moves to Connecticut. Jackson breaks down which is why he can't be drafted into the war. Lee takes Jackson home acting more and more like his manager. His work eventually gains the attention of art collector Peggy Guggenheim (Amy Madigan) who gives him an one-man show in 1943. Lee and Jackson decides to move to a country house on Long Island away from the drinking and doing more work. His paintings are still not selling and then the Life article happens. Lee and Jackson have a roller-coaster relationship and then he has an affair with Ruth Kligman (Jennifer Connelly).Ed Harris directs a mostly straight forward biopic of Jackson Pollock with a few fascinating scenes of painting sessions. His directing style doesn't necessarily project Jackson mental breakdowns but his acting is able to bridge the gap. Ed Harris is not the most imaginative director visually but it is overcome by good actors doing good work. It is a good debut directorial effort.

An ambitious and brilliantly realised film biography of the American artist Jackson Pollock, Ed Harris stars, directs and paints on-screen. Harris' performance is a tour de force, superbly portraying a challenging (and challenged) individual, and Marcia Gay Harden is excellent (and rightly recognised by the Academy) as his wife, artist Lee Krasner.It's apparent from Mr. Harris' portrayal that Pollock was a difficult person to deal with and it seems clear that he had mental health issues – quite possibly being bipolar, in spite of his talents as an artist he is not a likable character for whatever reason.But despite the fact that neither Pollock's art nor his personality do anything for me, Mr. Harris' film is absolutely compelling and a very rewarding watch. The painting scenes are remarkable, they have a hypnotic quality and in their raw creativity are a stark counterpoint to the destructive tendencies that the man exhibited at times. They also present moments calm in the alcohol-fuelled whirlwind that apparently surrounded Pollock for periods of his life.If you like biography I think you will enjoy this piece, it's a career-topping performance and a brilliant portrayal of an intriguing talent and the people around him.

A biopic on American Painter, Jackson Pollock. 'Pollock' is a terrible letdown, because the late-icon himself was one disappointed man. As a cinematic experience, this one's a major letdown! Ed Harris stars as Pollock, whose entire life comes across as depressing. Harris, the actor, is in form. But Harris, the filmmaker chooses the wrong subject. Cinema is a different medium altogether. We watch movies to get entertained. And biopics, mostly, have been hugely engaging experiences. But this biopic, is simply bland! Ed Harris's direction is dull. Can't blame him, cause his biopic is upon a dull person. The Cinematography doesn't strike either. In the acting department, Harris lives his part and becomes the late icon. But the show belongs to Marcia Gay Harden, who delivers a knock-out performance as Pollock's wife. She is the life of the show! Jennifer Connelly, in a brief role, looks stunning! Val Kilmer makes an appearance.On the whole, 'Pollock' doesn't work as a cinematic experience. Thumbs Down!