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Sydney Pollack 1934-2008

Published at:  May 26, 2008 10:13:08 PM CDT

I am – Hercules



Excessively ain’t-cool news to report this Memorial Day.

The great, great Sydney Pollack, director of “Jeremiah Johnson,” “The Way We Were,” “Three Days of the Condor,” “Castle Keep,” “They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?” “The Electric Horseman,” “Absence of Malice,” “Out of Africa,” and “Tootsie,” among many others, passed away Monday at his home in Pacific Palisades.

He was 73.

The Oscar-winning filmmaker was also going to direct last night’s HBO movie “Recount,” but ended up just executive-producing it.

Pollack was an amazing actor as well, appearing perhaps most memorably as Michael Dorsey’s agent in “Tootsie,” but also contributing performances to “Michael Clayton,” “The Sopranos,” “A Civil Action,” Robert Zemeckis’ “Death Becomes Her,” Woody Allen’s “Husbands and Wives,” and Stanley Kubrick’s “Eyes Wide Shut.”

AICN’s film editors may have more to say about this sad news, but I wanted to say right away that Pollack was a cinema giant who contributed many enduring works, and will be much missed.

Find the Los Angeles Times' obituary for Sydney Pollack here.








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    Readers Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 8:47:24 PM CDT

    Tootsie holds up very well

    by carmillavondoom

    RIP Sydney Pollack!

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 8:49:08 PM CDT

    Tootsie was great

    by thebige

    He did a good job acting in it too - one of my favorite movies as a teen.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 8:49:33 PM CDT

    Farewell ...

    by captainwalker

    An old master has passed. I for one will dearly miss him.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 8:51:26 PM CDT

    One of the best director-actors

    by greenleaf1

    3 Days of the Condor was great, and I loved his performances in EWS and Michael Clayton specifically. He will be missed.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 8:56:45 PM CDT

    Rest in Peace

    by shodan6672

    To a great director.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 8:58:49 PM CDT

    Irony or did he already know?

    by purgatori

    Playing an oncologist on the Sopranos? You were one of the greats Mr. Pollack. And you had one of the best shut your cell phone off commercials I've ever seen.

    You'll be missed :(

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 8:59:37 PM CDT

    R.I.P. SYDNEY

    by bringingsexyback

    What onscreen presence. What a prolific filmmaker. Thanks for your work.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:00:00 PM CDT

    "Michael, is that you?"

    by nordling

    "I beg you to get some therapy."

    He will be greatly missed.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:00:51 PM CDT

    Jeremiah Johnson is AMAZING

    by doodler

    very subtle, great direction in a script with minimal dialogue. the rest of his pictures are good to great, but JJ gets overlooked far too often.



    and, he was the one director who i actually looked forward to seeing act. when i heard he was Michael Clayton's boss, i was all the more eager to see it. And of course, he was GREAT in it, as well as in Tootsie and Eyes Wide Shut.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:00:53 PM CDT

    FINAL 'CHANGING LANES' SCENE!

    by digital8

    Remember the final scene in Changing Lanes when Ben Affleck was at the table with his wife and Sydney Pollack's character was with his wife. Great scene!

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:01:21 PM CDT

    goddamn

    by secretcylon

    so sad. Loved him in Husbands and Wives.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:01:32 PM CDT

    RIP, Sydney

    by shawn f.

    I had read that he was seriously ill, but I was hoping he would hold out a little while longer. Great director and a pretty damn solid actor as well. RIP, Syd. :(

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:03:14 PM CDT

    Husbands & Wives

    by carmillavondoom

    His best performance imo. He lived a full life, went out on top.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:03:26 PM CDT

    His scene in "Death Becomes Her"

    by hercules

    was my favorite scene in that movie. He did a spectacular job as the agent in Tootsie as well. I loved Sydney Pollack. This news makes me cry.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:04:00 PM CDT

    Absolute Pollacks

    by lordporkington

    Always a shame when someone so talented passes away and denies us yet more of his quality, whether it be in front of or behind the camera lense. RIP Mr Pollack.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:04:30 PM CDT

    And don't forget about Will Geer

    by hercules

    and the griz.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:05:06 PM CDT

    RIP

    by fiester

    Sad to see him go.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:06:23 PM CDT

    Aww fuck

    by rocklover79

    This sucks.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:07:14 PM CDT

    Cheers to Sydney Pollack

    by eternal watcher

    I still remember him from "Tootsie" and "Michael Clayton." This is another big loss for Hollywood.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:10:32 PM CDT

    Great director...

    by phimseto

    I like most of his films. Yet the thing I remember him best for was his excellent supporting turn in Eyes Wide Shut. That pool room scene with Cruise late in the film is gangbusters.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:10:45 PM CDT

    RIP

    by powerring

    What a shock! I never even knew he was sick. He was a cinematic genius who brought us so much excellent cinema over the years. I love his movie theater bit for "Sorry, is my directing interrupting your phone call?" RIP Sydney, you are deeply missed!

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:11:00 PM CDT

    I thought it is was cool when . . .

    by skidmarkedundies

    he did those commercials for Cingular that they play in front of the films, when they say "We don't interrupt your calls, don't interrupt our films" type deal. He was a great director, which everyone said, but I remember him having a good tongue and cheek aura about him in that bit. And the Interpreter is horribly underrated. Sadness indeed. RIP.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:11:41 PM CDT

    Now you better watch Recount

    by antonphd

    He was going to direct it, but had to drop out and just produce.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:12:11 PM CDT

    Damn

    by thedark0knight

    He was great. Regards to his family

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:12:32 PM CDT

    Incredible director

    by ob1knbi

    This is very, very sad news indeed. Tootsi is one of my all time favorite comedies. I'm going to have to put it in as a tribute to him...

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:12:38 PM CDT

    Oh, may I add . . .

    by skidmarkedundies

    FUCK CANCER. That is all.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:12:39 PM CDT

    eyes wide shut

    by jimmiescoffee

    loved that film, and he was easily the best actor in it.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:13:53 PM CDT

    I do not approve this news

    by go ahead chestbump me

    Master Pollack was a living lesson of directing and acting, how you can never be too serious and hard-working, approaching those vocations. R.I.fuckingP.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:15:40 PM CDT

    Stomach Cancer?

    by bill brasky

    Hmmm. That's about as close to the Ass-Cancer as you can get, isn't it?

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:16:27 PM CDT

    RIP...

    by boggycreekbeast

    What a shock. One of my favorites, both behind and in front of the camera.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:16:28 PM CDT

    JEREMIAH JOHNSON

    by bean_

    What an incredible movie. RIP Sydney thanks for it all

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:16:33 PM CDT

    HE WAS THE *ONLY* ACTOR IN EYES WIDE SHUT TO APPEAR NORMAL

    by bringingsexyback

    Chalk it up to natural ability and presence.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:16:36 PM CDT

    Husbands & Wives (Thanks Sydney)

    by whodis

    It was during a dark and depressing point of my life, due to a hellish relationship with a woman for 4 years, that I sat and watched "Husband & Wives", alone in the dark on IFC. Sydney's character gave me the balls to get the fuck outta there (the relationship). Thank you, sir, and godspeed.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:17:02 PM CDT

    Shitty news

    by aloy

    He stayed an interesting director and actor right until the end.
    Sadly missed.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:17:06 PM CDT

    Damn... one of the best

    by razorback

  • May 26, 2008 9:17:12 PM CDT

    Forgot about the Cingular spots...

    by carmillavondoom

    ...very funny bit. ☺

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:18:30 PM CDT

    Good Director...

    by senatorjeffersonsmith

    but I always found his acting to be more astounding. He was great in just about every role he played.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:19:48 PM CDT

    RIP

    by hypnotron

    Great director, great actor...

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:25:47 PM CDT

    R.I.P.

    by that 70s venom

    Damn shame... talented fella.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:26:00 PM CDT

    They Shoot Horses

    by swanstep

    pretty much completely rules. Pollack was a good actor and a great director of actors. Classy, smart guy, and a real pro.. Jesus, next year's Oscar memorial roll is already packed, and it's only May. :(

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:26:07 PM CDT

    So sad

    by myrtle_mae_simmons

    One of the best in front of the camera and behind. He never seemed to get stale and resort to doing the same stuff over and over.
    A great loss, sad day.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:31:47 PM CDT

    Very sad indeed.

    by seph_j

    I mean, what an awful year. Charlton Heston, Heath Ledger, and now both halves of Mirage; Anthony Minghella and Sydney Pollack. What is happening to their company now? What a truly awful year. I am terrified to think who will go next. Could be anyone :(

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:32:12 PM CDT

    My fondest memory of him

    by silverglade

    Was when he was... commenting on Kubrick regarding his work on Eyes Wide Shut. He was talking about how they did the billiard room scene for 2 weeks. And when he started to ask Kubrick wtf, Kubrick said simply, "Well, you want to get this scene right, don't you?"

    Sydney was a class act. He will be missed. Incredible person.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:32:12 PM CDT

    He was a man to be celebrated.

    by beastie

    When it comes to film at least. I know nothing of his personal life, but he was a complete blessing to the world of film. I try not to think that it is sad when someone I don't personally know, dies, since that's how life is, but instead I like to think of everything that that person has given to me. Great actor, great director. He will be missed and forever remembered.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:32:42 PM CDT

    Very sad...

    by jimcurry

    Always liked the guy. RIP.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:33:38 PM CDT

    1st Dick Martin, now this. What's next? :(

    by ricardomontalkhan

    What a loss! Not only a great director, but an actor as well.

    He was awesome in Michael Clayton

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:34:28 PM CDT

    So sad to hear this

    by proman1984

    He was truly one of the greats, as director, actor, supporter of cinema and a great guy to boot.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:34:46 PM CDT

    RIP Sydney

    by palooka_boy

    never forget your scenes in The Player

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:37:08 PM CDT

    Syd

    by assistant director

    I had the great pleasure of working with Syd on "Out of Africa" and "Havana". He was a wonderful friendly, down to earth guy, as well as being one of the Industry's giants. Rest in peace, Syd.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:38:21 PM CDT

    Very sad

    by lashlarue

    He seemed like a very likeable guy. I liked him as an actor, and loved him as a director.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:39:07 PM CDT

    Amazing artist

    by cagliostro

    I've always had the utmost respect for him in every aspect of his career. He single handedly saved "Eyes Wide Shut" (Shit, I would've told Kubrick to go fuck himself after the first few weeks of shooting me opening a goddamned door, take after take) in my humble opinion... and that's a good thing.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:39:17 PM CDT

    i fuckin hate getting old

    by bacci40

    brilliant director...brilliant character actor....too soon

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:40:25 PM CDT

    He had such a powerful presence on-screen.

    by napolean solo

    You will be missed SP.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:41:03 PM CDT

    and don't forget 'Changing Lanes'

    by seph_j

    underrated film.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:55:27 PM CDT

    Nooooo!

    by gregoryharbin

  • May 26, 2008 9:55:30 PM CDT

    Yakuza

    by samuel fulmer

    Please remember that he did this great 70's mob movie in addition to the Hoffman in drag and Out of Africa stuff.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:55:58 PM CDT

    Nooooo!

    by gregoryharbin

    Pollack can't die! I loved this guy. He was genius, GENIUS in 'Michael Clayton.' No!

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:56:03 PM CDT

    R.I.P Mr. Pollack

    by zodou

    You were my favorite part of Tootsie. You will be greatly missed.

    BTW. That's a good perspictive to have Beastie.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:56:37 PM CDT

    R.I.P. Will's dad.

    by osmosis jones

    "I love my gay son!"

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:59:26 PM CDT

    Intelligent,

    by bdt

    well-read, funny, witty and talented. Not too many folks like that around.
    Very sad, indeed.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 9:59:56 PM CDT

    Anthony Minghella and now his producing partner.

    by gqtaste

    Don't forget that they produced all those great Minghella films. i.e. Eglish Patient, Talented Ripley, Cold Montain, Breaking and Entering, etc. And don't forget about how big "The Firm" was back when it came out. Redford really owed a lot to Sydney imo. Even though he woulnd't have had a hard time, but some of Redfords work was w/ Pollack. Man, he was a great director/actor!

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 10:02:09 PM CDT

    He was great in Cival Action and Woodys H&W

    by gqtaste

  • May 26, 2008 10:03:15 PM CDT

    Fuck this is tough.

    by erichaislar

    The man was a master.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 10:03:15 PM CDT

    RIP

    by russman

    damn, everyone's dropping off.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 10:05:39 PM CDT

    They Shoot Horses

    by samuel fulmer

    What a great film. Few films are as dark and cynical as that one.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 10:05:56 PM CDT

    FUCK!

    by lucasblows

    This blows. RIP.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 10:06:46 PM CDT

    How Sad.

    by super rabbi

  • May 26, 2008 10:10:41 PM CDT

    RIP

    by turd furgeson

    How sad for him and his family. There are few people in this world who's talent can make something that might be mediocre better. He was one of those people. There are a number of performances as an actor and movies as a director that just wouldnt be as good without him... There isn't a movie of his I don't like. Very sad.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 10:11:00 PM CDT

    OH wtf

    by mattforce7

    man, for some reason, my heart just sunk. I was not ready for that...even more so than Heath :(. What a gifted artist

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 10:11:17 PM CDT

    That part in a Civil Action alone showed he had it.

    by gqtaste

    Where he plays the high powered attorney wanting a make a deal w/ Travolta's character. And of course he took Harvey Keitel's part over in Kubricks Eyes.... Played it to perfection. In short, i'm very sad b/c I know there's not too many of these great men left in Hollywood.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 10:12:10 PM CDT

    Aw, hell.

    by catvutt

    That sucks. One of my faves.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 10:12:59 PM CDT

    Pollack had so much more in him.

    by jonquixote

    He was one of our greatest directors, a visionary producer, and a damned fine actor. And between the imperfect but efficient & watchable INTERPRETER and his excellent turn in MICHAEL CLAYTON that he was still bringing his "it" factor to the table. Not only is the movie universe lesser for having lost him, but it is considerably and woefully dumber. We're looking at a vacuum of talent and perspicacity that won't be filled anytime soon, if ever. My condolences to his family for their loss, and to the rest of the world for the talent and intelligence that has been ripped from us. We've lost something more than a talented filmmaker, we've lost a great film presence. And we're going to feel it, and we're going to feel it soon.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 10:13:43 PM CDT

    THE YAKUZA

    by judge dredds fresh undies

    That movie fucking owns! Not too big a fan of his other films that ive seen but I need to watch more. RIP Sid.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 10:13:51 PM CDT

    The great thing about him....

    by darthliquidator

    Years ago, I remember watching a
    "making of" featurette on "The
    Yakuza" Pollock worked with his
    actors to find meaning and subtext
    in the script, characters, the
    progression of the storyline. Whether he did comedies, thrillers or dramas, he always dug deep into the story and characters...and sadly there's not too many directors with that kind of talent that are left.
    He will be sorely missed.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 10:14:44 PM CDT

    It's ironic w/ Fords movie opening this week b/c

    by gqtaste

    after working w/ Sydney on "Ramdom Hearts," which was a dud imo, but still something that had an interesting premise. Maybe Harrison was miscasts as the lead. But even his misses were still compelling.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 10:15:34 PM CDT

    Bummer

    by otm shank

  • May 26, 2008 10:16:06 PM CDT

    Hopefully he didn't watch Indy 4...

    by fa fa fooey

    He deserves to go out a happy man. He truly made some great films, and he was one heck of an actor.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 10:19:41 PM CDT

    BRINGSEXYBACK

    by jaguart

    Have some respect, you all caps fuck.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 10:31:03 PM CDT

    Man, I was just about to put on Sketches of Frank Gehry

    by half vader

    - I think people forgot he did that one. I might put it on anyway but it'll strike a different tone now. I like it because aside from Gehry's genius it shows that as accomplished and clearly intelligent as Pollack was/is, he was still a man of humility not hubris and eager to learn. R.I.P. mate.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 10:31:24 PM CDT

    Aw, man.

    by drbanner

    That blows. I didn't even know he was sick. Godspeed.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 10:31:42 PM CDT

    What is with you Death?

    by condomwrapper

    Why do you keeping taking the good ones and leaving scum around? Can't you just tell cancer to 'chill' a bit since that fucking bastard keeps knocking one off after another. Seriously, as that one dude above said: FUCK CANCER!

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 10:34:18 PM CDT

    I hated, HATED, the interpreter,

    by s0nicdeathmonkey

    but I did get to briefly meet him after that screening. I almost regret the bile I spewed in my review now. Not that it really mattered for his career.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 10:38:29 PM CDT

    So good

    by aversiontherapy2

    A class act through and through. As an actor he was usually the best thing in the movie.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 10:39:48 PM CDT

    Three Days of the Condor...

    by aquatarkusman

    ... has only been mentioned once, way upthread, so I thought I'd bring it up again. Top-notch cast, brilliant script, tense directing. The near-opening scene of the bloodbath in the CIA library is about as chilling as anything.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 10:42:39 PM CDT

    This is a shame

    by pumpymcass

    Minghella, Pollack, Ledger. Seems like the only people dying are those who seemed to have a lot of great work still ahead of them. Sydney is missed.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 10:50:43 PM CDT

    Sleep Sweet Prince, And May You Have A Peaceful Journey

    by media messiah

    God Bless you and your Family. Your work was beautiful, yes...but I won't miss you for that, as your art remains...rather, I will miss you for the good person and spirit that you are...something this world does not have enough of. I'm sorry we didn't meet in this lifetime, but perhaps we will in the next. Bye for now Sidney.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 10:51:18 PM CDT

    So Sad

    by akhepburn

    He had that classic, distinguished manner that you don't see a lot any more, and he was one of my favorites. My prayers are with his family. It's not fair to lose him and Minghella in the same year.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 10:54:48 PM CDT

    Another cinematic loss.

    by mr. nice gaius

    Pollack was one of the true greats. Not only was he an accomplished director, but he was also a formidable actor. I've often thought that there were a lot of directors out there who were envious of that aspect of his talent. He will be missed."You've come far pilgrim."R.I.P.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 10:55:00 PM CDT

    Had the best line from ANY movie EVER

    by kcsunshine

    In Husbands and Wives, explaining why he is dating a ditzy aerobics instructor- 'She has a mouth like velvet.'

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 10:59:14 PM CDT

    Whatttttttt?!

    by t 1000 xp professional

    wow man this sucks

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 11:06:03 PM CDT

    Damn. Just waking up on this side of the earth...

    by moviemaniac-7

    to read this news. Damn. RIP.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 11:08:15 PM CDT

    Don't forget "Changing Lanes". He was great in that.

    by cotton mcknight

    He was just an actor in that one but he delivered a memorable performance. The only Ben Affleck movie worth watching. Great movie.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 11:11:38 PM CDT

    Nosferatu

    by rebeck2

    No, TOOTSIE is not "obviously" the classic - my two favorite Pollack films are "The Way We Were" (yes, you read that right, motherfuckers, it takes a real man to love a great romance) and "Three Days Of The Condor", right up top of the list when it comes to one of the best thrillers ever made. When Pollack was on he was a fucking amazing director. Also worth mentioning the ending of an otherwise uneven "The Yakuza" when Mitchum cuts off his finger as an apology for stealing a man's wife - classic shit. All of "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?". And his wonderful performance in Woody Allen's "Husbands And Wives". Sydney, you will be missed.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 11:12:14 PM CDT

    Damn, didn't even know he was sick...

    by the grug

    Such a talented performer, and an excellent director too. He'll be missed

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 11:26:56 PM CDT

    I cried...

    by spectrebeeyatch

    When I saw this on the news. Call me a pussy or whatever but I really liked this guy I found him a icon for myself. What a sad loss for all of us.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 11:26:59 PM CDT

    The way we were

    by mattforce7

    Man i do love that movie, and yes, it takes a real man to realize that.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 11:27:49 PM CDT

    Could never see Tootsie because

    by annie the pod racer

    Hoffman looked way freaky to a 9 year old. I remember Pollack from Woody Allen movies, and most recently Entourage. Good Dude, you will be missed.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 11:28:18 PM CDT

    You're a TOMATO!

    by flim_

    He will definitely be missed.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 11:30:04 PM CDT

    that's strange

    by oisin5199

    I was stuck in a motel room on Friday night and the only thing to watch on tv was a Will and Grace episode with Pollack as Will's father. And I thought, what the hell's this master doing on such a crap show? Anyway, blessings to his spirit and his family.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 11:31:43 PM CDT

    They go in three's . . . RIP, Syd.

    by aboriginal

    . . . not to be that morbid, but its always been a Hollyweird thing. RIP, Syd. You rocked.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 11:33:14 PM CDT

    Good God

    by maximillian roivas

    Just watched Michael Clayton late last week. In fact I just checked and that was his second to last performance. Shame bout his last one though. Made Of Honor? Damn, it's like Walter Matthau all over again. Hate when this shit happens. Oh well, we'll always have Tootsie

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 11:40:28 PM CDT

    ABE VIGODA LAUGHS AT YOU ALL!!

    by thelordofhell

    Abe Vigoda will outlive everyone!! All hail the great Abe Vigoda!!

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 11:48:58 PM CDT

    Now that's sad news...

    by colloquiallyborn

    Great actor, great Producer, ect ect... He'll be missed by his family, but he'll also be missed by the public who appreciated all his movies, and the roles he took on with his great acting skills.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 11:49:41 PM CDT

    without reading through all these,

    by napoleon park

    did anyone mention that he was Will's dad on "Will and Grace"?

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 26, 2008 11:56:14 PM CDT

    Jeremiah Johnson

    by darthvedder81

    I actually just watched this a couple weeks ago for the first time (based on a friend's recommendation). I was really impressed how Syndey directed that film with very little dialogue to work with and what must have been some tricky location shooting.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 12:07:14 AM CDT

    "She

    by kirbymanly

  • May 27, 2008 12:08:31 AM CDT

    "She's got a mouth like VELVET"

    by kirbymanly

    I've seen Husbands & Wives a million times but his reading of that line STILL cracks me up.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 12:11:27 AM CDT

    RIP

    by brian0401

    A true legend. Going to be deeply missed. God bless him and his family.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 12:17:44 AM CDT

    A class act

    by darthfloyd

    Rest in Peace Mr. Pollack.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 12:21:14 AM CDT

    Wow. One of the great ones.

    by allpowerfulwizardofoz

    They don't make them like the way he made them anyone. RIP.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 12:24:29 AM CDT

    Rest in peace, Mr. Pollack.

    by heyscot

    My heart goes out to his family and friends. We all must go, but Mr. Pollack had a great life.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 12:24:31 AM CDT

    Rest in peace, Mr. Pollack.

    by heyscot

    My heart goes out to his family and friends. We all must go, but Mr. Pollack had a great life.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 12:27:52 AM CDT

    Lost another great icon in cinema...

    by samuraiyao

    Damn all the good ones are going away. Lets preserve their greatness...

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 12:34:52 AM CDT

    Rest in Peace

    by brighteyes

    Very sad to lose him. loved his scene in Eyes Wide shut with Tom at the end, very disturbing and beautiful.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 12:35:50 AM CDT

    R.I.P.

    by neosamurai85

    Indeed, a great loss. He was great right up to the end with Michael Clayton. Be it Eyes Wide Shut or any of the other films he played in, I was always delighted to see him. Fine director as well. Without question he, will be missed.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 12:46:02 AM CDT

    Too soon

    by benbraddock

    Think there was a lot of talent left in Mr.Pollack - and at 73, that's saying something. Rest well :-)

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 12:47:30 AM CDT

    Thanks Sydney!

    by kafka07

    Thanks for Jeremiah Johnson. I've loved that move since I was a kid.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 1:25:00 AM CDT

    Sydney was awesome. RIP sir

    by m_reporter

    Sad, sad news.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 1:31:12 AM CDT

    Sad.

    by motoko kusanagi

  • May 27, 2008 1:32:53 AM CDT

    Son of a Bitch.

    by codymr

    I really liked and admired his work. It always hurts when someone so talented passes.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 1:36:24 AM CDT

    played the morally bankrupt slimeball better than any1

    by vestaxwax

    gonna miss u syd.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 1:42:05 AM CDT

    NICE HE WENT OUT ON A HIGH... MICHAEL CLAYTON

    by greigy just wanted to say

    So many great talents have gone out on less than great films / performances... Not so Pollock. Too Classy for that. WILL BE SORELY MISSED.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 1:45:47 AM CDT

    Total Shocker

    by themcflyfarm

    Rest in peace my good man.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 2:18:40 AM CDT

    Just Watched...

    by rebeck2

    Three Days Of The Condor in his honor. Terrific film that still holds up today. I just noticed something for the first time: the voice of Faye Dunaway's boyfriend, who she has an extended conversation with on the phone when she's being held at gunpoint by Redford, is Sydney himself. I can't believe I never noticed that before. And even over the phone his acting is spot on, perfect. Just a little trivia for ya'...

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 2:20:15 AM CDT

    R.I.P.

    by cuervojones

    Death sucks.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 2:20:30 AM CDT

    Well shit, that guy was responsible for some...

    by poeticwarrioriii

    fucking awesome films. Gods speed good, sir!

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 2:23:56 AM CDT

    JEREMIAH JOHNSON

    by palimpsest

    Now that's a movie. RIP.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 3:09:46 AM CDT

    R.I.P to you Sir...

    by southside_2010

    The films that you've directed as well as the films you starred in are amongst some of my highly regarded favorites. Much love and respect to you and I hope you're in a better place. You will truly be missed. Rest in peace...

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 3:59:59 AM CDT

    His loss to the industry will be huge

    by emeraldboy

    hew as the only good thing in changing lanes. When you have cancer. you have to fight it and you dont want pity. It is a disease you feel you have to carry. you fight it by getting on with your life as best you can. its the chemo that kills you. Nuala o Faolain who died there a couple weeks ago. spurned the chemo.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 4:04:10 AM CDT

    Very sad indeed, he was always interesting

    by chopper3

  • May 27, 2008 4:05:58 AM CDT

    Interviews with Pollack on the Kubrick DVD's

    by quantize

    ...are incredibly insightful..Jeremiah Johnson is a great great film...and 3 Days of the Condor really created a template for thrillers for years to come..

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 4:16:04 AM CDT

    In My Thoughts

    by jadstersdad

    Sydney and, of course, his family today. My greatest memory of him..The Yakuza, which is one of my all time favourites. Thank goodness for the recent commentary.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 4:16:57 AM CDT

    The Swimmer...?

    by bswise

    Does anyone know what the deal was with his uncredited co-direction of THE SWIMMER (1968) starring Burt Lancaster, which is absolutely one of the best movies of the late 60's, right up there with The Graduate, Blow Up, Easy Rider, etc.... RIP SP

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 4:24:45 AM CDT

    Sketches of Frank Gehry

    by prague23

    is a great doc which Pollack directed about the architect who was Pollack's good friend. Saw it here in Prague, where Gehry designed his famous 'dancing house'
    http://tinyurl. com/25fjfq

    He also designed Seattle's infamous 'Experience Music Project' which, being from Seattle, I know was received with mixed criticism. Personally, I think it's an eye sore:

    http://tinyurl. com/ywebuw

    However, Gehry's masterpiece, in my opinion, is his Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain:

    http://tinyurl. com/47rdu7

    R.I.P. Pollack. You were a great and interesting man.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 4:39:12 AM CDT

    YOU WERE A TOMATO!

    by spartacus hughs

  • May 27, 2008 5:41:00 AM CDT

    Good to see so much love for Mr.Pollack!

    by big_bubbaloola

    This is terrible news. He will always be regarded as a true great. At least there is comfort in knowing that he achieved his potential both as director & actor. It just sucks that he had so much more to give! RIP Mr.Pollack.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 5:41:27 AM CDT

    Jeremiah Johnson...

    by docpazuzu

    ...is the SHIT. I saw that for the first time when I was 12 and it's been a favorite ever since. Three Days of the Condor is also awesome.

    He was one of a kind. R.I.P.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 6:11:54 AM CDT

    RIP

    by evilgeek1

    Loved that guy

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 6:22:22 AM CDT

    Wow…

    by evil chicken

    Wow. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time. He had a great body of work directing and acting. I loved him in “Tootsie” and never realized that he directed “Jeremiah Johnson” until this morning. This is a big loss.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 6:36:27 AM CDT

    we have lost another gem

    by maniaq

    As a great director, it's hard to look past Three Days of the Condor and I won't even begin to mention his many accolades as an actor - but he was also producer on a great number of favourites! To mention just a handful that haven't already been mentioned - indicative of a man of great taste, as well as talent...
    Out of Africa
    Presumed Innocent
    Searching for Bobby Fischer
    The Quiet American
    ok I really must stop - even though that's so very few...
    RIP

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 6:47:23 AM CDT

    We're losing the great ones...

    by tvspace

    Who will be the directing giants of tomorrow?

    Sad.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 7:35:10 AM CDT

    As good on screen as behind the scenes...

    by thecap

    ..and he kicked ass behind the scenes, especially from the director's chair. To say he will be greatly missed is to damn with faint praise. He will be remembered as a truly "great one" as time goes on. That, unfortunately, is all.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 7:39:04 AM CDT

    This is just wrong.

    by knuckleduster

    So many of our great directors have passed away recently. Pollack was one of the best and one of a kind. Truly an actor's director.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 7:40:34 AM CDT

    An excellent perfectionist

    by nomoredirtyjokespleaseweareyanks

    He will be missed greatly. God he could make a tight Thriller.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 7:41:06 AM CDT

    My mother called me with the news

    by jackie boy

    ...and I almost burst into tears.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 7:43:11 AM CDT

    Right on, Whodis about Husbands and Wives...

    by lanemyersclassic

    I can relate. Great movie, great performance by Pollock. Loved that guy! A baby was just born who will grow up to be Sydney Pollock (but probably with a different name).

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 7:49:26 AM CDT

    RIP Mr. Pollack

    by just pillow talk

    Fantastic work.Nothing more needs to be said.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 8:22:09 AM CDT

    I bet he got a lot of tail in his day.....................

    by crackerfarmboy

    I'd like to stop by the funeral and smell his fingers!

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 9:18:26 AM CDT

    REST IN PEACE....

    by travis-dane

    He gave us some GREAt movies!Now he can play pool with Stanley in Heaven....

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 9:27:12 AM CDT

    R.I.P. A great actor as well

    by stuntcock mike

    Agreed on the Eyes Wide Shut ricaleite. Nude od'ed hooker scene was great.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 9:28:05 AM CDT

    crackerfarmboy

    by stuntcock mike

    He probably got some tail over the weekend.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 10:16:57 AM CDT

    Really funny!

    by herow/1000faces

    Sydney was a GREAT actor - a stand out in every scene he was in - but I think he was a particularly good comedic actor. I'm really gonna miss this guy's work.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 10:21:48 AM CDT

    Great director who will be sorely missed.

    by sedavis

    His work on Jeremiah Johnson, The Way We Were, Three Days of the Condor, The Electric Horseman, Absence of Malice and Tootsie was great. He got the best out of Robert Redford for certain. Jeremiah Johnson is one of the titles on my must have list when I get my Blu-Ray in.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 10:33:44 AM CDT

    Directed one of the great '70s

    by skimn

    paranoid thrillers "Three Days Of The Condor" with great cinematography from Owen Reizman. No matter what topic or genre he chose, he rarely faltered. So sad to lose him at such an early age.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 10:53:47 AM CDT

    ONE OF THE LAST GREAT CLASSIC FILM MAKERS

    by the marquis de side 3

    the don't make them like him anymore.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 10:57:36 AM CDT

    Inequality

    by noahtall

    Oh sure, write about Pollack but totally ignore Robert Asprin.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 11:32:54 AM CDT

    Eyes Wide Shut

    by jjn1268019

    that was really the first time I saw him on screen, I still need to see some of his films like "Three Days of the Condor"... may he rest in peace...

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 11:48:10 AM CDT

    Very Sad News

    by chanoc

    Mr. Pollack will be missed, tough he leaves behind a legacy that will never die. How many of us can say that?

    My prayers for his family

    P.S. Loved him in Eyes Wide Shut.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 12:20:18 PM CDT

    Rest In Peace

    by violet grey

    While I am by no means an author on things Pollack related I must say he was an easily recognizable figure that lent an earnest authenticity to whatever film I saw him in. He was also a consummate film maker who was able to expound on both the technical and artistic sides of the industry. A great loss to be sure.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 12:29:12 PM CDT

    NOOOOOOO!!!!!

    by messi

    fuck. I wanted to work with this guy.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 1:42:52 PM CDT

    He seemed like such a classy guy.

    by cruel_kingdom

    Mr. Pollack, you will be missed.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 3:01:35 PM CDT

    Best host of TCM's "The Essentials"

    by mgthedj

    He was fantastic the year he hosted TCM's Saturday night show "The Essentials." Great insights, total class. I love "3 Days of the Condor", "Tootsie", "Jeremiah Johnson", and just a few weeks ago I finally saw "Electric Horseman" uncut. Another great film, and the chase scene is pretty impressive. Godspeed sir.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 3:07:38 PM CDT

    RIP

    by dirty john

    I met Sydney Pollack in Aspen with my father and he took time to talk to both of us. Out of Africa was one of my father's favorite movies. Great guy, awesome actor and fantastic director... he will be missed.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 3:25:17 PM CDT

    The Swimmer.

    by bswise

    OK, I guess Pollack was brought on to finish this after Frank Perry (he of later "Mommie Dearest" fame) left due to creative differences. Seriously, this is one great movie. All around, Pollack was a class act.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 3:43:40 PM CDT

    NOOOOOOOO i miss him from TCM's Essentials

    by prossor

    definitely agreed he was best host. It was just some months ago i aas chilling watching TCM and seeing him there. great man.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 4:40:44 PM CDT

    He will be missed!

    by ricardomontalkhan

    hey fellow Pollack fans check out the tribute on blogspot's new blog

    thebitterproducer

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 4:40:48 PM CDT

    He will be missed!

    by ricardomontalkhan

    hey fellow Pollack fans check out the tribute on blogspot's new blog

    thebitterproducer

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 6:01:07 PM CDT

    A great director of Action!

    by snootyboots

    Not the first guy you'd think of, but take a look at Jeremiah Johnson, The Yakuza, Three Days of the Condor.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 6:10:25 PM CDT

    Burt Lancaster discovered him

    by snootyboots

    Pollack was hired to work with the young non-professional actors on the movie The Young Savages. Lancaster took an interest in what he was doing, told him he should be a director, and arranged for him to meet with the head of the Studio. He was assigned to apprentice under a Television producer for six months, learned his craft, and that's how he became a director.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 6:11:50 PM CDT

    Burt Lancaster discovered him

    by snootyboots

    Pollack was hired to work with the young non-professional actors on the movie The Young Savages. Lancaster took an interest in what he was doing, told him he should be a director, and arranged for him to meet with the head of the Studio. He was assigned to apprentice under a Television producer for six months, learned his craft, and that's how he became a director.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 6:14:29 PM CDT

    Burt Lancaster discovered him

    by snootyboots

    Pollack was hired to work with the young non-professional actors on the movie The Young Savages. Lancaster took an interest in what he was doing, told him he should be a director, and arranged for him to meet with the head of the Studio. He was assigned to apprentice under a Television producer for six months, learned his craft, and that's how he became a director. And that's what I learned on Fresh Air today.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 6:29:48 PM CDT

    Loved the guy!

    by wickedblue

    I'm holding the Jeremiah Johnson DVD in my hand right now. A classic!
    Here's to you Sydney!!!

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 7:20:41 PM CDT

    Fanboys Suck!

    by follyway

    I've been coming to this site for nearly a decade and never felt the need to post before. Today I finally felt compelled. Sydney Pollack was without question truly a class act and giant of film. Yet here on a site full of cinephiles that you would expect to be better informed than the public at large, people cant be bothered. Yeah Ive got an opinion about indy and checked out the minutemen pic but c'mon! We've got more people argueing about whether a guy in a minor role of an unrealeased film is tall enough than just popping in to share their memories of a man who has crafted some of the timeless works of the last qaurter century. RIP Mr Pollock you will be sorely missed!

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 10:21:22 PM CDT

    Thanks Piltdown

    by thelordofhell

    I don't know what the hell I'm gonna do when the great Abe Vigoda finally kicks the bucket.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 10:24:47 PM CDT

    ...At A Lost For Words

    by alen smithee

    I was privileged to have met Mr. Pollack during a documentary he was filming on Frank Geary. He was a truly nice man and a great director. His loss is a great one.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 10:28:27 PM CDT

    WTF? he looks nothing like Ed Harris?!

    by puddleglum

    And don't forget his paintings were a fucking mess, too!

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 10:29:53 PM CDT

    so now Made of Honor is his last film?

    by puddleglum

    He must have watched it and got the cancer.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 10:29:59 PM CDT

    so now Made of Honor is his last film?

    by puddleglum

    He must have watched it and got the cancer.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 10:30:05 PM CDT

    so now Made of Honor is his last film?

    by puddleglum

    He must have watched it and got the cancer.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 11:21:33 PM CDT

    so now Made of Honor is his last film?

    by puddleglum

    He must have watched it and got the cancer.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 27, 2008 11:24:55 PM CDT

    oops

    by puddleglum

    Sorry about that

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 28, 2008 1:52:39 AM CDT

    I had such a crush on him.

    by annoyyou

    So, so sad at this news. He was great in so many roles, big and little: The Player, Tootsie, Eyes Wide Shut, Husbands and Wives - and of course he was a superlative director. But I'll always remember him as a member of my Pantheon of Fabulous Jewish Men. I'll miss you, Sydney. Rest in peace.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 28, 2008 9:11:58 AM CDT

    Too soon!

    by cruel_kingdom

  • May 28, 2008 1:44:38 PM CDT

    Dick Martin

    by loki965

    I love Sydney Pollack and am sad to see him go. However, how come you guys completely glazed over the death of Dick Martin. I for one loved Laugh In and all of the stars it spawned, Arty Johnson, Ruth Buzzy, Goldie Hawn. And Dick Martin continued to direct many of the our favorite television shows years after the end of Laugh In. Come on, show him some love Aint It Cool!!!!

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 28, 2008 1:48:24 PM CDT

    a good man with a good career

    by mansep

  • May 28, 2008 3:14:37 PM CDT

    SAD DAYS

    by burgertime

    So long Mr. Pollack. Loved the characters you played (usually a bright spot in any film) and your work as a director was second to none. Tootsie is a favourite, and it set the bar so high for todays RomComs that it's yet to be equalled IMHO. Condolences to your family, and RIP sir.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 28, 2008 3:39:07 PM CDT

    The man was class. The man was movies.

    by metalmickey

    Minghella spent his unfortunately short career trying to do what Pollack did so easily.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 15, 2010 2:54:27 AM CST

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    by tmveqk

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    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 15, 2010 2:55:04 AM CST

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    by tmveqk

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    Reply to Talkback

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