May 27, 2008
R.I.P. Sydney Pollack/MUSICIAN on DVD

"My life's a fuckin' mess."

This is one of my favorite quotes in cinema history, taken from one of my favorite performances in one of my favorite films, Woody Allen's Husbands and Wives. For those of you who remember, it was muttered by a baffled and deflated Jack as he collapsed on a couch, crushed under the weight of one of the most hilarious and excruciating mid-life crises ever. Jack was played by none other than director-producer Sydney Pollack, who was more celebrated for his behind-the-scenes credits than his on camera theatrics. But for my money, when I think of Sydney Pollack, I will think of this particular performance. Not Tootsie and certainly not The Firm. Not even Out of Africa. Jeremiah Johnson and They Shoot Horses, Don't They?, maybe. But not even them. For me, it's that collapse on the couch. If I ever accidentally find myself in the position of teaching an acting class, this is the performance we are going to study.

In DVD news, the latest installment of Daniel Kraus's celebrated WORK Series comes out today. This one, Musician, is about avant-garde improvisational jazz artist Ken Vandermark. For fans of Frederick Wiseman (i.e., Any Human Being With a Pulse), check it out.

Posted by tully to Film in General at 10:45AM on May 27, 2008
Comments

I'll second that sentiment. God I love that performance. He was also terrific - subtly menacing, thickly masculine - in EYES WIDE SHUT.

Here, here. My favorite part is where he is pulling his new girlfriend out of the party.. Hilarious. RIP

Eyes Wide Shut is incredible as well. "You gave us a real scare there, kiddo." I can't tell you how many times my brother-in-law and I have quoted that line in particular.

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