"Pollack"- Emily Ginnel

As a first time viewer of the film Pollack I had a lot of expectations for the film as it is meant to portray a famous artist and American icon. Although, before watching the film I had limited knowledge of the detail of Jackson Pollack’s life I did have the understanding that Pollack, the man behind the famous “action” paintings had a troubled life constantly struggling with mental issues and alcoholism. My hope was that the film would reveal the untold story of Jackson Pollack. During the first few scenes we are immediately immersed into Pollack’s life. The opening scene of the movie depicts Pollack’s tendency to isolate himself from the world even when amongst hoards of fans and critics. The director (Ed Harris) uses moments of silence as in the opening scene to depict these moments when Pollack isolates himself from the world. Harris also utilizes music as a tool to depict Pollack’s erratic behavior throughout the film. The music allows the viewer to feel in touch with Pollack’s emotions, as the tempo varies according to his moods. After the opening scene the viewer is let into Pollack’s apartment, eating breakfast with his family. Harris captures the essence of Pollock’s inability to function in a normal social setting, even when the other people are his own relatives. Although, I have seen Harris in many films, I was able to forget the actor as he successfully embodied the legend of Jackson Pollack.
The film does not focus on the first three stages of the schematic structure of the Artist’s Biography. The film begins when Pollack is a grown man who has developed his work from realism to abstract abstractionism although there are some aspects of the Youth stage in the film. Lee Krasner another abstract painter of the period meets Pollack when they are commissioned to exhibit together; after viewing his work Krasner becomes very intrigued. During the maturity stage, with the help of Krasner Pollack is introduced to several influential members of the New York art scene including Peggy Guggenheim who gives Pollack his first major commission. Pollack develops his style after creating a large mural piece for Peggy, a “breakthrough” which allows Pollack to discover the beginnings of what is referred to as his “action” painting series.
In Plato’s Ion, a conversation between Socrates and Ion describes the importance of inspiration for an artist. “In like manner the Muse first of all inspires men herself; and from these inspired persons a chain of other persons is suspended, who take the inspiration. For all good poets, epic as well as lyric, compose their beautiful poems not by art, but because they are inspired and possessed.” In Ion, Plato discusses his thoughts on inspiration and his belief that originality does not exist in the art world, everyone is inspired by the thoughts and ideas of someone else. I personally disagree with Plato’s ideas on inspiration. Although, I think that artists can and are inspired by other artists work, I also believe that artists do have original ideas and thoughts. Pollack is a great example of an artist who exudes originality in his artwork. His “action” paintings were unlike anyone had ever seen before, he introduced a new technique and idea with his unique body of work. But, I do believe that Pollack like all artists has inspirations, even when creating an original piece of artwork. After viewing the film I believe that his inspirations lie in the people he surrounds himself with. His best friend and wife, Lee Krasner, helps Pollack to realize his talent and inspires him to continue expressing himself with his art. Krasner, herself is so incredibly inspired by Pollack that she devotes her life to encouraging Pollack to focus on his career. The film also suggests that Pollack is also inspired by his initial success after his large commission by Peggy Guggenheim, and positive feedback from the New York art scene and critics. The excitement that comes with success encourages Pollack to continue to paint. But, above all I believe that Pollack finds his inspiration in himself. His tendency to be anti-social allows him to indulge himself in his own mind, allowing time to find his own inspiration from his original thoughts. For this reason I believe that Pollack was able to create an original way in which to express oneself with paint.