Hollywood Director (03:41)

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Sydney Pollack directs many films throughout his life and significantly influences the film industry. See clips from several of his films.

Pollack's Background (03:13)

Pollak is born in Lafayette, Indiana. His parents divorce and his mother dies. He moves to New York and studies under Sanford Meisner. He marries, works with John Frankenheimer, and recognizes his career path as a director.

Pollack's Early Films (07:47)

Pollack makes his directorial debut with "The Slender Thread." "This Property is Condemned" marks the start of his signature approach. He directs "The Scalphunters" in 1968 and "Castle Keep" in 1969. "They Shoot Horses, Don't They" makes him a leading Hollywood director.

"Jeremiah Johnson" (07:05)

Pollak directs Robert Redford for the second time in 1972. In 1973, he directs Redford and Barbara Streisand in "The Way We Were." The following year he produces and directs "The Yakuza."

"Three Days of the Condor" (06:21)

Pollack directs the 1975 political thriller, zeroing in on the concept of paranoia as an energy. He produces and directs "Bobby Deerfield" in 1977 and "The Electric Horseman" in 1979.

Defining 1980s Films (09:46)

Pollack directs Paul Newman in "Absence of Malice" and Dustin Hoffman in "Tootsie." He reunites with Redford in 1985 for "Out of Africa," winning two Academy Awards, and "Havana" in 1990.

"The Firm" (05:38)

Pollack works with Tom Cruise in the 1993 legal thriller. Following the film's success, he directs Harrison Ford in "Sabrina" and "Random Hearts." Pollack's final directorial film is "The Interpreter."

Pollack's Legacy (02:03)

Pollack directs and produces several successful films, and is a mentor to many in the film industry; moral responsibility is integral to his character.

Credits: Sydney Pollack (00:40)

Credits: Sydney Pollack