Pollock (2000)

82% of critics liked it
(106 reviews)
73% of users liked it
(10,966 ratings)

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… More 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. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: R, 2 hr. 3 min.
Directed By: Ed Harris
Written By: Susan Emshwiller, Barbara Turner
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Dec 15, 2000 Wide
On DVD: Jul 24, 2001
Studio: Sony Pictures Classics

Critic Reviews

Peter Rainer, New York Magazine
Harris as an actor does justice to his long-term passion to play Pollock.
Geoff Pevere, Toronto Star
That altogether rare movie about an artist that works because it takes the art itself for granted.
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee
A brilliant acting exercise for its incredible cast.
Stanley Kauffmann, New Republic
Just -- yes, just -- one more film about that perennially obdurate subject, an artist.
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, San Francisco Chronicle
A ruddy little movie with a seething core and a chill in its bones.
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Wonderful movie, but for adults and older teens.
Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com
In the same way a tap dancer innately understands the percolating syncopation of all jazz music, Ed Harris identifies character rhythms and physical possibilities in drama.
Jeffrey Overstreet, Looking Closer
Many films about artists indulge opportunities to depict people behaving recklessly. Harris seems more interested in showing us the nature of creativity.
Christopher Smith, Bangor Daily News (Maine)
Not a review, but an Interview with Ed Harris, who discusses Pollock among other roles.
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com
Passion can easily lead to self-indulgence, and that is certainly the unfortunate case here.
Ron Wells, Film Threat
You can decide for yourself if Pollock was a great artist. He wasn't such a great man, but at least he got a pretty good movie.
Urban Cinefile Critics, Urban Cinefile
More than a straightforward biography charting Jackson Pollock's rise to prominence, Ed Harris' film is a penetrating study of the work ethic as it applied to one of America's great post-war painters.

Read all 13 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Dan S

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 act,… More
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 act, 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.
Jeff "

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 opposite… More
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 opposite 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.
Lorenzo v

"A True Portrait of Life and Art." A film about the life and career of the American painter, Jackson Pollock. <center>REVIEW</center>… More
"A True Portrait of Life and Art." A film about the life and career of the American painter, Jackson Pollock. <center>REVIEW</center> Ed Harris shows what a truly great talent he is, both as an actor and director. 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.
Tim S

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 think… More
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 think 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.
Mark H

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 Harden,… More
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 Harden, 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.
Marcus W

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 artist,… More
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 artist, with strong support from Harden. Worth watching.
Anastasia B

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.
Dimitris S

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… More
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 Wallace?),bravo to the artistic effort,and the sublime acting.
Moe E

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… More
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 open. I would be willing to give it another chance, though.