I WAS NEVER WHAT I WOULD CALL A GREAT SHOOTER OR VISUAL STYLIST: Director and sometimes-actor Sydney Pollack has died of cancer at 73. What's most striking about Pollack's filmography is how eclectic it is on both sides of the camera--directing prestige products (Out of Africa), silly comedies (Tootsie), classy thrillers (Three Days of the Condor, The Firm), and even schmaltzy romance (The Way We Were), and acting in roles on Will and Grace (as Will's dad), Michael Clayton, and current Patrick Dempsey romcom Made of Honor. Of course, not everything he touched turned to gold--the less said about Random Hearts, and Sabrina, the better. Perhaps the most significant thing is how many folks he's influenced and helped with producing, including Anthony Minghella, George Clooney, and Steven Zaillian--the world of film will be a poorer place without him. (Also, if I recall, he was originally supposed to direct Recount until he pulled out for health reasons.)
The header line comes from Pollack himself, and is referenced in the NYT obit.
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