I truly believe he gave the performance of his career in "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.
This even further limits the chance that someone who happens to see the film might be captivated by the experience. But, keeping in mind that "Pollock" is Harris" first go at directing, it perhaps could have been that he was immensely focused on Pollock as a character, he lost sight of his vision for the film as a whole. Either way, it is obvious that Harris, as the director, was unable to deliver a laudable film on the life of Pollock. .
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 endures his drunken rages and infidelities. .
Harden's exceptional portrayal of Krasner might be one of the few things worth going to see in the movie. As the woman behind the man, she is the backbone of Pollock. Without her, there would be no Pollock. Acting as his caretaker, she pushes him to strive, and sells him to art galleries and patrons. The development of her character is what makes the film work. With her heavy Brooklyn accent and straight forwardness, the audience is immediately drawn to her character. Naturally, any woman would be out of her mind to stay with a man who treated Krasner the way Pollock did. Yet, unlike her counterpart, she allows us to enter her mind.
