Sydney Pollack: You've got to blame Dustin Hoffman (2005)

Director Sydney Pollack talks about what would prove to be his last feature film “The Interpreter”, his relationship with actors, the unexpected success of “Out of Africa”, the trials of “Tootsie”, why he chooses to act and the unique exasperation of working for Stanley Kubrick.

[@jeffhogue1245]

One of the greatest directors of all. Brilliant actor too.

[@sha11235]

A great director and actor himself. RIP.

[@JHallenbeck]

He undersells himself as an actor. Every film he appeared in, no matter how small the part, he stole the scenes from the leads. His cameo as the freaked out doctor in 'Death Becomes Her' is one of the funniest performance in a film filled with hilarious performances, while his respective turns as seemingly kindly yet totally corrupt businessmen in 'Eyes Wide Shut', 'Changing Lanes' and 'Michael Clayton' are enduringly memorable and give perfect foils to the protagonists of each. If Pollack was in a movie, I always knew the scenes were going to be great, regardless of the overall movie itself. Always convincing, always compelling, always commanding. He was a terrific actor, even if he didn't see himself as one.

[@arbitraryvegetarian9881]

His work in "Will and Grace" is quite fine.

[@bulldogtv2143]

I agree completely. That classic scene with Hoffman in Tootsie where he tells him he won't make 25 cents working as an actor is one of the funniest scenes in comedy history.

[@danielterry382]

I think what made him a Good Director is that he is a smart , well spoken guy !

[@MultiSweener]

Love Mr. Pollack. I was privileged to watch the last scenes of Tootsie on location. Can't replace that memory. RIP.

[@GeorgeDamon]

I really liked Sydney Pollack a lot, both as an actor and director. He made and appeared in some really terrific films and I was very sorry when he passed away.

[@welles28]

Tremendously thoughtful, direct responses from Pollack here - it's a terrible shame that this was not a wider ranging interview, particularly in view of the fact that he wasn't going to be with us much longer.

[@KGSMMediaCache]

@wells28. It is hard to overstate how much we agree with your comment, there is so much more to Mr Pollack's career than we had time to get into here. Unfortunately when the interview was conducted we were obliged (though not by Mr. Pollack) to ask him several questions about his film "The Interpreter" which he was ostensibly there to promote. These questions were relevant in the moment, but burned up a lot of valuable time that could have been dedicated to "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?", "Jeremiah Johnson" or "The Three Days of the Condor" and, perhaps most of all, Mr. Pollack's significant and rarely appreciated contribution as a producer. However, as all too often is the case, the suits and the clock run the show. At least we got what we got.

[@iwhippedcreamcode4642]

One the Best ...And I seen all his films in the Early 2000 's (as a kid) GENIUS!......

[@colephelps6202]

He is just so adorable.

[@CalTxDude]

I've always thought so, as well!

[@adamtzsch]

His big scene in EWS is riveting. And he was hilarious in Tootsie.

[@sharkbaitsurfer]

Loved his scenes in Tootsie!

[@jeffvannda1250]

He directed 2 so different movies..but, I love them both..what inspiration! Jeremiah Johnson and Yakuza... masterpieces

[@CalTxDude]

"Burnished Professionalism" ❤💙💚💛💜

[@bellavia5]

He was in Michael Clayton , Changing Lanes and A Civil Action. He directed Jeremiah Johnson.

[@arbitraryvegetarian9881]

He just seems to be such a mensch!

[@uncletiggermclaren7592]

He has the voice for it, no doubt about that.

[@CalTxDude]

I just watched an episode of The Twilight Zone from 1960 'The Trouble with Templeton'. Mr. Pollack Play a young, domineering director. And I have to say, Mr. Pollock was absolutely brilliantly funny in 'Death Becomes Her'!

[@damianbegley]

R Daniel That's my favorite Twilight Zone episode.

[@dennisp3314]

Always a great Director and Actor. One of those people, who when you know he is directing or even appearing in it, that at least he is going to be good. The only thing involving Pollock I have ever seen that I just couldn't get into was Out of Africa. Don't know why - just could not get through it.

[@lisawilliams7836]

Thank you very much.

[@dorfmanjones]

Smart man, perceptive, thoughtul.

[@cameron1975williams]

Cinema misses Pollack more than ever. He's the best thing in Eyes Wide Shut (1999).

[@saidtheactress]

What an interesting man.

[@studebaker4217]

I can't find any serious biography of SP - any help, please?

[@uncletiggermclaren7592]

That last message "I know that I don't know enough" is the prime take-away from any philosophy course. People who pretend to certitude, and "knowledge" without saying "I think I have more to learn, but I do know this one bit" you shouldn't trust. I think.

[@bulldogtv2143]

That woman's voice that keeps piping up is very distracting. Were they at an airport or something?