Pollock

The film spans the mid-20th century, tracing Pollock’s rise in the postwar American art world and his personal decline. It highlights pivotal moments such as his initial exhibits, a Life magazine feature around 1950, and the involvement of film and critics that shaped his fame. The narrative culminates with Pollock’s death in 1956, marking a swift arc from breakthrough to tragedy.

The story unfolds around a tiny New York City apartment where Pollock lives with his siblings, plunging into the city’s bustling 1940s-50s art scene. Key locations include Peggy Guggenheim’s New York townhouse and Pollock’s later Long Island home, illustrating the blend of intimate studio life and high-profile patronage. Connecticut serves as a backdrop to industrial work (gliders) and the pull of the draft, while a phone call from Lee places Venice into the narrative, signaling the far-reaching reach of their lives and careers.

🎨 Artistic Integrity

Pollock clings to his raw, improvisational drip technique despite pressure to commercialize. The film frames his refusal to alter his painting for marketable appeal, highlighting the clash between personal vision and financial expectations. This tension drives much of the drama, showing how true creative impulse can resist patronage and publicity.

🥃 Alcohol & Self-Destruction

Alcoholism is a persistent force in Pollock’s life, fueling binges and affecting relationships and productivity. The narrative follows relapses that disrupt domestic life and professional momentum, underscoring how addiction can derail even extraordinary talent. The pattern of excess culminates in moments of crisis that redefine the artist’s trajectory.

💔 Relationships & Conflict

Pollock’s marriage to Lee Krasner is built on partnership but strained by his indiscretions and reluctance to settle. The film charts his extramarital affair with Ruth Kligman and the resulting emotional toll on their union. These personal conflicts intersect with his artistic journey, illustrating how intimate life intertwines with creative life.