It has been a week since the passing of Sydney Pollack to cancer and so I thought about posting a quick tribute to him and his work in cinema. Sydney was a steady-eddy in Hollywood. He not only directed many quality films (Jeremiah Johnson, Three Days of the Condor, Tootsie, Out of Africa), he was also an active producer and a very reliable and talented actor. He even dabbled in documentaries and would recommend his last directorial effort Sketches of Frank Gehry, about the much celebrated and equally divisive modern architect. His last onscreen performance in Michael Clayton last year was classic Pollack: believable, empathetic and solid as legal bigwig Marty Bach, a conflicted confidant to the film’s main character.
Pollack was also a bit of a bridge between old and new Hollywood in his choices as producer. Putting his neck on the line with new and first time directors later in his career was a bit of a trademark for him; he produced Michael Clayton last year with first time director Tony Gilroy and produced the work of German filmmaker Tom Tykwer with Heaven.
Below is a classic scene from the film he directed, Tootsie. I think it shows both his talent in front and behind the camera very well. It is well directed, edited and acted. Pollack more than holds his own against Dustin Hoffman. Enjoy and rent a Pollack film soon if you are so inspired.
Did somebody say hot chocolate? I have a film you may want to see. I borrowed it from the internet and it is John Cusacks new film War Inc.
Drew~You know I am quite ignorant when it comes to movies, however I enjoyed Michael Clayton. I forget the ending but remember the point when he realizes everything he has worked toward at the firm is in jeopardy. It makes you think about living in the now for the now. Okay, that’s my $.02, you probably want a refund, sorry no refunds!