Pollock (USA; 100min.) directed by: Ed Harris starring: Ed Harris; Marcia Gay Harden; Amy Madigan; Jennifer Connelly

Diane says: "POLLOCK, directed by and starring Ed Harris, is worthwhile for the educational aspect and the acting. Contrary to reviews that say it does not bend to the cliches of presenting an artist's life, I'd say it is cliche all the way down the pike--although I wouldn't be surprised if that were a true expression of Pollock's life, with its combo of genius and alcoholism. The movie chooses not to go beyond the surface of those two things; the viewer doesn't learn anything about his psychology, motivation, source of his ideas, etc." 2 cats

Laura says: "While Ed Harris captures the all the surfaces of Jackson Pollock, his subject remains an enigma. Pollock speaks simplistically ('You're a damn good woman painter,' he tells Krasner on his first visit to her loft) or not at all. His eyes portray hurt and bewilderment when coming out of one of his drunken stupors, yet we never understand what drives him to paint nor what it is he's expressing in his art. (When Krasner first sees his initial splatter painting and proclaims 'You've done it Pollock. You've cracked it wide open.' My reaction was 'huh?') Pollock the man appears to get more pleasure out of rubbing his extended family's noses in his fame than in the act of creation itself. His emotional connections to the women in his life, including his mother Stella (Sada Thompson), are not explored." 3 1/2 cats For Laura's complete review: "http://www.reelingreviews.com/pollock.htm"