An examination of the life and art of abstract expressionist painter Jackson Pollock, one of the icons of 20th century American painting (and a man who was clearly undone by his own celebrity), this BBC documentary includes observations and recollections from a number of Pollock's peers, as well as actor Ed Harris, who portrays the artist in the new feature film Pollock. Pollock's ex-lover, who was in the auto accident that killed Pollock, comes off badly, but, fortunately, she's the exception to the rule in this otherwise often insightful portrait of the artist as a loose cannon. The most telling utterance of the entire documentary comes from one of Pollock's contemporaries, who cannily notes that Pollock's drip painting technique was an artistic trap; indeed it was, and the film makes a strong case that Pollock burned-out long before his tragic death. While the video is more preoccupied with the artist than his body of work, the point is nevertheless well made that Pollock's mature paintings were unique and inspired. A piece such as Lucifer might look as if anyone could do it, but the fact is that no one has ever been able to even approximate Pollock's style. With the caveat for high school audiences that the language herein is as colorful as the art (including a four letter Anglo-Saxon word for making whoopee), this is strongly recommended, and sure to be popular given the recently released feature film. Aud: H, C, P. (P. Van Vleck)
Jackson Pollock: Love and Death on Long Island
(1999) 46 min. $29.95 ($59.95 w/PPR). Home Vision Arts. Color cover. ISBN: 0-7800-2339-0. Vol. 15, Issue 6
Jackson Pollock: Love and Death on Long Island
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