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Post by indy2003 on May 26, 2008 20:16:05 GMT -8
I only learned of the passing of director/actor Sydney Pollack just a few minutes ago. This is very sad news for me. He was a director who made some very fine films, but believe it or not, I had grown to admire him most as an actor. There are few actors out there with such a natural and unforced screen presence. Just take a look at his fine supporting performances in "Husbands and Wives", "Eyes Wide Shut", "Changing Lanes", "Michael Clayton", and "The Sopranos". Absolutely superb in every one of those roles.
Additionally, Pollack was always fascinating to listen to. There are better directors out there, but few who spoke with as much thoughtful intelligence as Pollack. He always seemed willing to give interviews, and always managed to be the most thought-provoking part of any making-of documentary or film discussion. His presence in the world of cinema will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, Mr. Pollack.
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Post by Jens Dietrich on May 26, 2008 20:17:24 GMT -8
Sydney Pollack was an amazing director and will be missed.
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Post by Southall on May 27, 2008 11:42:12 GMT -8
I really enjoyed his films, even his less-great later ones. And I agree, as an actor, it's a tragedy we didn't see more of him. I watched Eyes Wide Shut only a couple of weeks ago and he's phenomenal in it.
I also agree about how good he was to listen to. There's a feature on the 2001 Blu-Ray where various directors say how influential it was, and after meaningless drivel from George Lucas who plainly doesn't even begin to understand the film, and more standard saying-nothing stuff from Spielberg and others, Pollack was so eloquent and interesting.
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Post by Southall on May 27, 2008 11:47:51 GMT -8
Actually, now I think about it, the only director I can think of who kept me more rapt with attention when talking about cinema is Scorsese.
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