Pollock

Pollock

Year: 2000

Runtime: 122 min

Language: English

BiographyDrama

This biographical drama explores the life of Jackson Pollock, the celebrated and enigmatic painter. As his fame grew, so did the scrutiny of his complex personality and the struggles he faced. The film portrays his journey as he grappled with self-doubt, creative expression, and a growing sense of isolation, revealing the contradictions inherent in both his artistic genius and personal life.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Pollock yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Pollock (2000)

Trace every key event in Pollock (2000) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Pollock moves out and meets Lee Krasner

Pollock leaves the cramped New York City apartment to make space for Arloie's baby. Shortly afterward he encounters fellow artist Lee Krasner, whose presence sparks his interest in painting and collaboration. Their meeting marks the beginning of a crucial personal and artistic partnership.

1940s New York City
2

Binge and Lee becomes his manager

Pollock sinks into a drunken binge, and Sande labels him clinically neurotic. Lee Krasner takes him home and decides to manage his career, recognizing potential in his work. Her support proves pivotal to his early development as an artist.

late 1940s New York City
3

Kadish, Putzel, and Guggenheim connect Pollock

Reuben Kadish visits Pollock with Howard Putzel, who works for Peggy Guggenheim. Guggenheim views Pollock's paintings and offers a contract to exhibit him, plus a commission to paint a large mural in her New York townhouse entry. This proposal pushes Pollock toward the center of the American art scene.

late 1940s Peggy Guggenheim's townhouse, New York
4

First exhibit fails; Peggy moment; Putzel dies

Pollock's first exhibition fails to attract buyers. After a New Year's Eve party, he nearly sleeps with Peggy Guggenheim, and soon after learns that Putzel has died. The string of setbacks tests his resolve and mood.

late 1940s New York City
5

Marriage to Lee Krasner and move to Long Island

Pollock and Lee decide to marry rather than split up and plan to move to Long Island together. Their marriage solidifies as they navigate life and art away from Manhattan's pressures. The partnership blends personal commitment with artistic collaboration.

late 1940s Long Island
6

Greenberg critique and Life article promise

Pollock rejects Clement Greenberg's insistence that his work be altered to be marketable. He remains committed to his technique, even as criticism and commerce push for change. Greenberg suggests a Life magazine feature could shift attention in his favor.

early 1950s New York City
7

Marital strain and flirtations

Pollock's flirtations with other women strain his marriage to Lee. He searches for additional income, trying various jobs while alcohol and volatility complicate his life. Lee's distance grows as she resists conceiving, adding tension to their partnership.

early 1950s New York City
8

Life article boosts attention

A Life magazine article about Pollock appears, bringing renewed attention even though his paintings aren't yet selling widely. The feature raises public curiosity about his work and foreshadows the upcoming exhibit. Critics remain divided, but momentum builds.

early 1950s New York City
9

Namuth films Pollock

Cinematographer Hans Namuth films Pollock as he works, attempting to capture his gestural process. The filming interrupts the spontaneity that defines his method, challenging how viewers perceive his art. Pollock's focus is affected by the camera's presence.

early 1950s Pollock's studio, New York
10

Thanksgiving relapse

Pollock, who had been attempting sobriety, relapses and ruins the Thanksgiving dinner. The relapse underscores the fragility of his personal life amid mounting professional pressure. Family tensions intensify as public attention grows.

early 1950s New York
11

Autographs Life magazine at a 1950 exhibit

In a frame of the film, Pollock signs a copy of Life magazine for a fan at a 1950 art exhibit. This moment signals rising public recognition although sales remain inconsistent. It foreshadows the breakthrough critics and institutions anticipate.

1950 New York City
12

1955: Still direction debated

Five years after the Life exhibit, Clement Greenberg notes that the Partisan Review favors artist Clyfford Still as the potential next direction of modern art. Pollock weighs this alternative trajectory against his own stubborn method. The dialogue highlights the shifting landscape of postwar abstraction.

1955 New York City
13

Affair with Ruth Kligman

Pollock's marriage remains strained by Lee's reluctance to conceive, prompting him to begin an extramarital relationship with Ruth Kligman. The affair deepens the emotional rift and influences his late works. Ruth becomes a significant figure in Pollock's life during this era.

mid-1950s New York City
14

1956 crash and death

After a phone call with Lee, who is in Venice, Pollock tells Ruth 'I owe the woman something.' On a drive with Ruth and her friend Edith, he crashes the car, killing Edith and himself while Ruth is badly injured. The tragedy marks the abrupt end of Pollock's turbulent life and career.

1956 On a road near New York
15

Epilogue: Lee never remarries

An epilogue states that Lee Krasner never remarried after Pollock's death, preserving the memory of their partnership and influence on American abstract expressionism. Her life afterward is framed by Pollock's legacy and the posthumous reevaluation of his work.

post-1956

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 15:44

Unlock the Full Story of Pollock

Don't stop at just watching — explore Pollock in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Pollock is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Pollock Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Pollock, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Pollock Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Pollock

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Pollock. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Pollock

More About Pollock

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Pollock: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Pollock

Similar Movies to Pollock

Discover movies like Pollock that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.