Sydney Pollack, You Will Be Missed

Sydney Pollack passed away last week from a short-lived cancer battle. I was not even aware that he had cancer. I thought he was still on top of his game after seeing him in "Michael Clayton" and that he was in the new "Made of Honor."

Pollack was the genius behind "Tootsie" and "Out of Africa" (for which he won Best Picture and Best Director oscars). Pollack was the master of dialogue. He scenes between Meryl Streep and Robert Redford in "Africa" are legendary.

Pollack really knew how to capture the drama in his movies by using intense dialogue and terrific actors. Pollack is also won of the few who championed acting and directing.

He established his name as a director and separately as an actor. He believed his acting ability helped his directing tremendously. In recent years, Pollack turned to producing and was a very effective producer.

I remember a commercial he did for AT&T or something like that for a movie theater. I think it was one of those "turn off your cell phones" things. That was a few years ago.

Pollack was a genius in the film industry and he will greatly be missed. He did so many things for film and clearly left a lasting mark. Pollack's death was a true tragedy and devastating for film. His efforts in directing, acting and producing will never be matched again.

Director
The Interpreter
Sabrina
The Firm
Out of Africa
Tootsie

Producer
Leatherheads
Michael Clayton
Breaking and Entering
Cold Mountain
The Talented Mr. Ripley

Actor
Changing Lanes
Random Hearts
Eyes Wide Shut
Husbands and Wives
The Player