May 27, 2008

Sidney Pollack, dead at 73. One of the greats.
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  • While much is made of his success as a director, I thought he made for a much better actor. Directing-wise, he was rock-solid (esp. 3 Days of the Condor or The Interpreter), but how much beyond that level, how much magic, idunno. As an actor, though, he stole the scene of whatever picture he was in, no matter the circumstances, in his restrained way. There is no crap Sid Pollack performance. Not that he directed a crap picture, either, but his performances were always a highlight. Saw him once, during a New Year's bash at the Blue Note. Seemed like a really nice guy. I was pretty excited just to be in the same room with one of my all-time favourites. Thanks, Sid.
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  • First film of him I saw was 3 Days of the Condor. A few days ago, saw Breaking & Entering, which he produced. And yeah, I liked a lot his part in Eyes Wide Shut.