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Ed Harris, Marcia Gay Harden, Amy Madigan, Jennifer Connelly, Jeffrey Tambor ... see more see more... , Bud Cort , John Heard , Val Kilmer , Barbara Garrick

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 structurall... read more read more...y 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. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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72% liked it

11,163 ratings

Critics

82% liked it

106 critics

R, 2 hr. 3 min.

Directed by: Ed Harris

Release Date: December 15, 2000

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DVD Release Date: July 24, 2001

Stats: 689 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (689)


  • fb619846742
    February 5, 2012
    fb619846742
    A unique, well-directed and acted biopic concerning the troubled artist Jackson Pollock (Ed Harris), his relationship with his wife (Marcia Gay Harden), and how his internal demons cut a brilliant career short. While in some ways it is predictable, including a disturbing final ac... read moret, the film contains a hypnotic quality about it thanks to an insanely possessed Harris, who is just splendid and you can tell he is very passionate about this particular person. The movie does have a tendency to drift into self-indulgence, especially in it's latter half, but Harris' portrayal remains tenacious and magnetic despite all the problems this movie possesses. We never get to go inside the head of Pollock too much, and this is definitely bothersome, but maybe that's how Harris wants it to be. The ending ends on quite a harsh, rushed note that feels forced, which detracts from one's overall impression of it. Nonetheless, one of the most underappreciated actors ever in Ed Harris is able to flex his creative prowess and go to work, and that alone earns the film a recommendation.
  • November 15, 2011
    Flawed, but interesting biopic of Jackson Pollock. Pollock, brilliantly played by Ed Harris is an eccentric abstract painter who revolutionized the art form. His art was simple, avant-garde and revolutionary. Ed Harris delivers a great performance here, and the cast starring oppo... read moresite him are great here as well. The film could have been done better, and leaves you wanting more, but for what it is, the film does a good job at showing us more of the man that made an impact on Abstract art. This is a good feature debut by actor and director Ed Harris. Harris makes the character his own, and he delivers one of his best performances. I thought that the film was well constructed and had an engaging plot. The cast deliver in their respective parts, and it's what makes Pollock a worthy Biopic to watch. Even with its flaws, this is still a good film that presents the turmoiled life of one of America's artists. Pollock may not appeal to everyone, but to those who enjoy biopics, this is a film worth checking out. The performance by Ed Harris alone makes this film worth watching. This film has a good story, good acting and good directing, what more could you want? Pollock is an entertaining two hours and it showcases Jackson Pollock's turmoil perfectly. Not a great film, but still pretty good for what it is.
  • June 18, 2010
    "A True Portrait of Life and Art."

    A film about the life and career of the American painter, Jackson Pollock.

    REVIEW

    Ed Harris shows what a truly great talent he is, both as an actor and direct... read moreor. Regardless of whether your a fan of Pollock or not or whether you agree with the "disturbed" artist syndrome, this film is a tour de force in filmmaking. Excellent script fueled by gutsy performances. Marcia Gay Harden shows once again what a valuable commodity she is an actress and Ed Harris takes chance few would risk. Those are the two that should be up for Oscars and SAG awards. Great to see Jennifer Connelly, getting more gorgeous with age, and some great cameos. Hats off to Lisa Rintzler for a beautifully photographed film, on 16mm no less, that looks better then most 35mm productions. You want to see Ed Harris and Marcia Harden really act with some great material? This is it, don't miss it if your a fan of either.
  • July 17, 2009
    Great bio-film with an amazing performance from Ed Harris. I have always been a fan of his work, which is why I sought out this movie. Jackson Pollock was also always interesting to me and I like his artwork. The best part to me was watching the actual painting process and to thi... read morenk that Harris took the time to mimic the style of how he was painting these canvases was impressive. I also liked the way the film was shot and thought the rest of the cast was filled out nicely, but the movie belongs to Harris.
  • February 24, 2009
    Curiously uninvolving biography of the revolutionary American painter. Does not delve deeply enough into the man. Instead we get standard snapshots of the life of a troubled artist. He is difficult, demanding, and alcoholic, everything we expect an artist to be. Marcia Gay Ha... read morerden, however, is memorable as Lee Krasner, Pollock's wife and influential painter in her own right. Her character gives the movie much needed structure and dramatic heft.
  • March 7, 2011
    This film suffers from the same thing that all biopics do: artists are not as interesting as the art they produce, hence the very reason they produce art.
    Thankfully, Harris seems aware of this as he keeps the pacing tight and delivers a mesmerising performance as the tortured ar... read moretist, with strong support from Harden. Worth watching.
  • October 30, 2009
    Stellar direction and painstaking attention to detail by Ed Harris whose passion, focus and stamina is amazing. It's been a marathon to complete this film, you can tell. One of the most memorable portraits of an artist you'll ever come across.
  • October 1, 2008
    A picture about a stubborn painter enthralling his instincts,stabilizing the family mess.Pollock's peers,wife,everyone cared for the mental disease.Harris reserving the part for him and only is orgiastic (I suppose so,look at Braveheart-Gibson,what did HE have to portray William ... read moreWallace?),bravo to the artistic effort,and the sublime acting.
  • March 10, 2008
    Having been raised in a home with an appreciation for fine art and being a big fan of Ed Harris' work wasn't enough to keep me from falling asleep 2/3 of the way through this film. The pacing is a bit slow, combined with my struggles with a flu bug, I just couldn't keep my eyes o... read morepen. I would be willing to give it another chance, though.
  • December 28, 2011
    This is one of the truly great biographic films (and perhaps dramas in general) of all time. I am an artist and have a degree in art history. Having done my thesis on Pollock and Abstract Expressionism, I can verify that this film is about as accurate a depiction of Pollocks life... read more and career as there can be.

    Jackson Pollock was one of the most important figures in the history of art, and certainly the most important and influential American artist in history. Harris is spectacular bringing Pollocks tragic story to life. As its director, Harris encapsulates Pollock's artistic brilliance and creativity.

    Also of interest is that it is one of the few movies about artists that really gets into the creative process and mentality behind a particular artistic genius. In addition to this, it also features several other important figures in the art world at the time such as De Kooning, Greenberg, and Peggy Guggenheim.

    The movie is held together by Harris's ability to capture both Pollock's child-like innocence, and the intense darkness which eventually consumed him. Harden is also at the top of her game as Pollock's wife Lee Krasner, another influential abstract expressionist painter. An incredible job of story telling, and capturing the essence of the most important American artist in history.

Critic Reviews


Peter Rainer
September 26, 2002
Peter Rainer, New York Magazine

Harris as an actor does justice to his long-term passion to play Pollock. Full Review

Geoff Pevere
March 16, 2001
Geoff Pevere, Toronto Star

That altogether rare movie about an artist that works because it takes the art itself for granted. Full Review

Joe Baltake
March 16, 2001
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee

A brilliant acting exercise for its incredible cast. Full Review

Stanley Kauffmann
March 8, 2001
Stanley Kauffmann, New Republic

Just -- yes, just -- one more film about that perennially obdurate subject, an artist.

Carrie Rickey
March 1, 2001
Carrie Rickey, Philadelphia Inquirer

A difficult and demanding movie, one that rewards the persevering moviegoer just as Pollock's difficult and demanding paintings ultimately reward the steadfast.

Wesley Morris
February 23, 2001
Wesley Morris, San Francisco Chronicle

A ruddy little movie with a seething core and a chill in its bones. Full Review

Eric Harrison
February 23, 2001
Eric Harrison, Houston Chronicle

This may not be exactly the movie Pollock deserves, but it's the one he got; and, reservations aside, it's pretty darn good. Full Review

Steven Rosen
February 23, 2001
Steven Rosen, Denver Post

Harris' Oscar-nominated performance is quite moving, making Pollock a better movie than the predictability of its story arc would indicate. Full Review

Jay Carr
February 23, 2001
Jay Carr, Boston Globe

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

Kirk Honeycutt
February 19, 2001
Kirk Honeycutt, Hollywood Reporter

Flat and uninvolving, flash cards from a life but with no life itself.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Pollock Trivia


  • Oscar winner for Best Supporting Actress of 2000 (all nominated):  Answer »
  • True or False. Daniel Pollock, who plays Davey in the movie Romper Stomper committed suicide before the film's release.  Answer »
  • Which famous painting did the Wellesley students examine in Mona Lisa Smile?  Answer »
  • Which actress was discovered by producer Dale Pollock at the restaurant where she waitressed at?  Answer »

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