Review of Pollock (2000) - Essay Example

Review of Pollock (2000) The film, Pollock is a biography on the life of an American painter, Jackson Pollock. Released in 2000, the movie stars Ed Harris, Marcia Harden, Jennifer Connelly and Robert Knott. The film appeared to make a strong impression on the viewers since it is one of the few films that focuses on not just an artist but also art. While the movie is a biography on Pollock, many artists would be able to relate with the film and see themselves or other artists in the character of Pollock.

It was perhaps Ed Harriss performance in the movie that makes a strong impression on the viewers and manages to illicit an emotional response from them. Harris has been able to give due credit to the performance when he transforms into a character full of passion and even shortcomings. It is the portrayal of Pollocks shortcomings that make viewers sympathize with the man. The film focuses more on the personal life of Pollock rather than the professional. The director here has explored how the artist was a product on his environment.

Ed Harris has fit the role of Pollock perfectly. The character of Pollock requires great balance in the way that Pollock often goes from self-loathing to being an egoistic drunken man. He goes from painting masterpieces to hurling objects in a drunken roar. In all these roles, the viewers come up with the expected response that the director wishes to bring out. While Ed Harris has explored the personal life of Pollock, he has also satisfied the visual appetite of the viewer by choreographing scenes where Pollock stands in the midst of paints as colors drip down from paintings.

These scenes often work as a contrast to the rest of the film since it is here that the movie picks up pace and often gives the feel of an action film. In this way, the movie satisfies that viewers preconceived notions of artists and their dedication towards art. Even though most of the movie is quite tragic but it does not damper the spirit of the viewers towards art. Rather the movie shows art as something that is able to break boundaries despite obvious shortcomings. As a biography, the film has perhaps not being able to fully cover the major events of Pollocks life.

Even though the movie introduces characters like Clement Greenberg, it is often not accurate. For instance, the movie makes a reference to Pollocks drip painting technique. The movie shows that the technique of drip painting was accidently discovered by Pollock when he dripped paint on the floor. However, none of the biographies written on Pollock give reference to just an incident. Overall the movie is a good watch. For viewers who want to gain insight on the life of an artist like Pollock, the movie is greatly recommended.

The movie is also recommended for those who wish to understand life from the perspective on an artist. However, the movie is not an accurate biography on Pollock. It is not an authentic source of information but offers a visual treat to the viewers.