Pollock

2000 Drama

Artist Jackson Pollock revolutionized American painting in the 1940's with his exciting abstract canvases that used dripped and splattered paint in a manner at once excitingly physical and structurally intelligent. While Pollock became a heroic figure in the art world, his private life was nothing to envy, and this biography looks at both his professional triumphs and personal tragedies. In 1941, Pollock (Ed Harris) was a bitter and struggling painter when he met Lee Krasner (Marcia Gay Harden), a fellow artist with whom he was appearing in a joint gallery show. Krasner was intrigued by Pollock, and immediately sensed the importance of his work; they quickly became lovers, and as Krasner realized his superior talent, she began devoting herself to promoting Pollock's work. When Peggy Guggenheim (Amy Madigan) agreed to present a show of Pollock's paintings at her Art of This Century gallery, his name was made, and a profile in Life magazine solidified his reputation as one of the art world's most important figures. But success did not bring Pollock peace of mind; while he long had a taste for alcohol, his new fame sent his drinking out of control, and his infidelity with numerous women (including Guggenheim) eventually destroyed his relationship with Krasner. Pollock was the first feature directed by actor Ed Harris, who also plays the title role; the cast also includes Val Kilmer as artist Willem de Kooning and Jennifer Connelly as Ruth Kligman, one of Pollock's lovers. more..

Director: Ed Harris

Starring: Ed Harris, Marcia Gay Harden, Amy Madigan, Jennifer Connelly, Jeffrey Tambor

Reviews

  • Pollock is confident, insightful work--one of the year's best films.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    26 April 2013

  • Like its subject, Pollock is a messy creation, but one whose depth of commitment and high attack keeps it on track.

    Jay Carr - The Boston Globe

    26 April 2013

  • Ed Harris, who plays Pollock and makes his debut as a director - doing both jobs superbly, by the way - is angst incarnate.

    Peter Travers - Rolling Stone

    26 April 2013

  • For all the praise that has been heaped upon it, is a quasisatisfying, half realized vision.

    Owen Gleiberman - Entertainment Weekly

    26 April 2013

  • Renders the juicy bits of the artist's life in two hours of pulsing highlights that suggest a man who never really had any emotional or psychic downtime.

    Wesley Morris - The San Francisco Chronicle

    26 April 2013

Awards

  • Best Actress in a Supporting Role

    Academy Awards (2001)

  • Lisa Rinzler

    Camerimage (2000)

     
  • Best Supporting Female

    Independent Spirit Awards (2001)

     
  • Best Supporting Actress

    National Society of Film Critics Awards (2001)

  • Best Supporting Actress

    New York Film Critics Circle Awards (2000)