Remembering Sydney Pollack:
Just the other night, I was showing my girlfriend Tootsie, one of my favorite movie comedies ever, and raving about the scene above where the film’s director Sydney Pollack, holds par with Dustin Hoffman, playing the legendary actor’s agent.
In one of those wild coincidences, I woke up the next day to find out that Sydney Pollack has died from cancer. He was 73.
I’d lone known Pollack as "the anti-love director" because the main characters in his films (Absence of Malice, Tootsie, Out of Africa) never ended up together. But looking closer, he was a director and actor that eschewed flash, knew his limits and chose quality projects. Some more than others yes, but you’d have a hard time scanning his filmography and singling out the movie that was ego run amok or a valentine to some actor or pet cause.
No, Sydney Pollack was an Acura: Solid, dependable, understated integrity. Even in a business like Hollywood, I’d call that the stuff of a life well lived.
Mr Pollack leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Claire Griswold and two daughters, Rachel and Rebecca.
Notes:
- June 2nd salute to Pollack on Turner Classic Movies.
- Thoughts from David Dylan Thomas.
- Sketches of Frank Gehry. A sweet little documentary Pollack did about the legendary architect.
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I’d hardly call They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? and Three Days of the Condor Acura films. Maybe later in life, sure, but in the ’70s, Pollack ruled.
I’d hardly call They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? and Three Days of the Condor Acura films. Maybe later in life, sure, but in the ’70s, Pollack ruled.