Is this a good movie on it's own...

I think so. I mean, it depicts a man's life and to a lesser extent, his art. Of course, it depends on what kind of movies you are in to... But as a "social" picture of a man who had problems with himself, it definitely works.

One thing though: If you're completely unfamiliar with Pollock's art and think that it's of absolutely no artistic value (which a lot of people think...), seeingh this movie might be pointless.

-Whose chopper is this?
-Zed's.
-Who's Zed?
-Zed's dead, baby. Zed's dead.

And besides, the acting is amazing. Marcia Gay Harden is especially great, but Ed Harris is also wonderful and so is the rest of the ensemble.

-Whose chopper is this?
-Zed's.
-Who's Zed?
-Zed's dead, baby. Zed's dead.

As the other user said, it depends on your personal opinion about Pollock's art.

The film empathizes with Pollock's struggles between himself and the art world. Pollock exposes the hypocrisy of the "art world."

When you're watching the film, you'll see him making his art.

If you love his artistry or his non-traditional painting method, you'll love the film.

If you don't like his art or disagree with his non-traditional techniques, you'll likely stop watching the film, because the film blames the disagreers for his downfall.

Well, I had never even heard of Pollock before, didn't know a thing about him. And I loved this movie. Give it a chance.

This movie is a slice of history, it brings the art world to the every-person just as much as Pollock did in his time with the Life Magazine article. All the sudden people who know little or nothing about art were caught up in debates of "Is Pollock's stuff really art?!?!" over the dinner table on a midwest farmstead, or "What is Abstract Art anyway?" in more artistic circles. A good example of the mood and buzz that Pollock created can be seen in Norman Rockwell's "The Connoiseur" (http://us.st11.yimg.com/store1.yimg.com/I/artsheaven_1872_80734264). This is an important movie, and you don't have to know anything about Pollock or his time to enjoy it.

Yes, it would still be good. I don't particularly care for Jackson Pollock. I respect his work, but it's just not my favorite. I still loved the movie, though.

*I love that the movies I like get horrible reviews. It makes them come out on DVD earlier.*

I'm more fascinated with the development of art in France during the late 1800's. Monet. Manet. Degas. Morrisot. Pissaro. Never really cared much about American art. Watching 'Pollock,' you get to understand the development of modern/post-modern art better in America. Pollock was fascinating because he filled a void in art's growth then, in the same manner that Art Brut, Andy Warhol and Basquiat filled the spaces designated for them.

Speakin' of the late Basquiat...his life and contributions would make a terrific film!