In the film, Harris never shies away from the crises and decline in Pollock's life. As a cinematic self-examination, Pollock wants to be fair and complete. As an actor, Harris wanted to absorb and transform Pollock onto the screen. As a director, he needed to re-present Pollock and his artwork. The goal was to prevent the film from becoming derivative.
Pollock brings to the forefront the interactions between art and film.
There is little doubt that Harris' film, even more than the biographies, has the ability to reintroduce the artist to the widest audience possible. Pollock is an independent film, worlds apart from the larger, studio-based productions that represent Harris' own work bio. A veteran of acclaimed films like The Truman Show, Apollo 13, The Right Stuff and Glengarry Glen Ross, Harris is a familiar face that's responsible for steady, supporting performances. There is a self-reflexivity inherent to the biographical story. Pollock 's point of view is basically Harris' own.