
Web posted February 21, 2001
Harris relates to Pollock's 'rage
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON Ed Harris said he relates in many ways to Jackson Pollock, the abstract painter he plays in the movie ``Pollock,'' for which he's up for a best actor Oscar.
Harris said he understands the rage Pollock often felt because he feels it, too, and it's emotionally draining to show that on screen.
``You don't want to have to do those kinds of scenes too many times, you know, because that kind of rage comes from a really deep place,'' he said in an AP Radio interview.
``I've got a pretty quick temper, you know, and I always have had, which I think is a little bit under better control now than it used to be. But it doesn't take a lot for me to, you know, go off.''
Harris, who also directed the film, said he also can relate to Pollock's troubles with alcohol. The artist died at age 44 in a 1956 drunk-driving crash.
``I certainly have been, uh, an abuser at times, to the degree where I've been aware that I, you know, have a problem,'' he said. ``So that first drink where he goes into the bar and drinks that shot of bourbon for the first time, I mean, that's all stuff that I'm not unfamiliar with.''
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