DVD Review: Pollock

Director: Ed Harris
Starring: Ed Harris, Marcia Gay Harden, Amy Irving and Val Kilmer

Story rating: 2 1/2 discs

Story review: Introducing radical elements such as abstract, non-perspective action painting and abandonment of traditional easel painting, Jackson Pollock (Ed Harris) wowed the post-WWII art world to become the most famous artist in America via an influential Life magazine article. A social recluse and abusive drinker, Pollock’s life from 1941-1956 is depicted, from the strange courtship with his artist wife Lee Krasner (Marcia Gay Harden) and sponsorship by socialite Peggy Guggenheim (Amy Madigan) to the after-effects of the article that catapulted him from struggling artist to American icon. Grappling with alcoholism and rage, the need to express himself, please his critics and placate his inner demons, Pollock alienates all who love him and ultimately succumbs to his own self-destructive nature. –Gerry Gallo, Hollywood.com Staff

Features rating: 3 discs

Features review: While there aren’t an overwhelming number of special features on the DVD, there is one nugget of pure gold: Ed Harris‘s commentary. Harris‘s unflinchingly honest recollection of the film’s production, including how each shot was set up and what was left out and why, gives meaningful insight into the making and directing of a movie. Clearly Pollock was a true labor of love for Harris, who movingly tells how he agonized over each second spent filming. The commentary is almost as good as the film itself. The featurette, Making of Pollock is also a nice tidbit and worth viewing.