In the beginning, stumbling up a stairwell in the middle of the night, it is quickly established that abstract art legend Jackson Pollock suffered from a drinking problem. Soon after, Pollock met a painter in Greenwich Village, Lee Krasner (Marcia Gay Harden), who showed passionate interest in his artistic style and work. As the two became romantically involved, Krasner also began to take on the role as his manager. Krasner proved her devotion to Pollock by staying by his side no matter what the circumstance; even though time after time he was repeatedly in and out of being a crazy demented alcoholic.

After marrying, the two isolate themselves by moving away from the city to Long Island, where Pollock seemingly contemplates his life as an artist. With growth and change comes a whole new artistic style; one tha

In spite of the exceptional performances by Ed Harris and Marcia Gay Harden, "Pollock" is a film made for art lovers and no one else. Overall, it is a movie seen through the eyes of Pollock and heard through the voice of Krasner. So if you are interested in seeing the creation of art and love the nagging ear wrenching sounds of a Brooklyn native, you will be more than happy to watch "Pollock."

As great as that may be, sadly Harris' dual role as director and star weakened the film's directorial elements. The way in which Pollock's story unfolds leaves the audience questioning the reasons behind the actions. Clearly Pollock was an extremist, but why did he act that way? Like a painting, there was no explanation for what motivated the artist. Pollock adds to the audience's bewilderment by expressing very few thoughts through dialogue, except for the sudden cries of outrage.

Another excellent scene is when Pollock, while living in Long Island, accidentally stumbled upon the creation of the "drip" technique. The intensity in his eyes, his focus on the canvas, most certainly shows the passion Pollock has for art; never putting down his brush until he is ready to. Inevitably that was the groundbreaking moment that made Pollock an American art legend. Harris's success as Pollock mainly derives from his ability to paint as Pollock did. The film exhibits Pollock's bold canvases, which speak for his mind, however still makes for an unsuccessful directing attempt on Harris' part.

As leading woman, Marcia Gay Harden, too, gives a stunning performance as Lee Krasner. Harden paints a very moving portrait of a woman who appreciates Pollock's potential so deeply that she puts her own promising career on the back burner. Instead, she endur

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