Who The #$&% Is Jackson Pollock?

Who The #$&% Is Jackson Pollock? is a thrilling and thought-provoking documentary, directed by Harry Moses, and starring Teri Horton, Tod M. Volpe, and Ben Heller. Released in 2006, the film runs for about 74 minutes and offers a perfect blend of art connoisseurship, aesthetics of modern art, and exciting legal trials. It is a lively, intelligent, and engaging story with riveting elements of personal struggle, discrimination, and an unwavering quest for truth, all nestled within the world of high art, celebrities and million-dollar transactions.

The film revolves around Teri Horton, a 73-year-old former long-haul truck driver with an eighth-grade education, who, in the course of her usual bargain hunting (to find a gift for a depressed friend), stumbles upon what she initially considers, a rather ugly, large painting. After a failed attempt at gifting, she decided to sell the piece at a yard sale, only to be told by a local art teacher that the painting could be the work of the world-famous abstract expressionist, Jackson Pollock.

Without any prior knowledge of the art world, Teri embarks on a quest to prove the authenticity of the painting, hoping to earn her rightful share from its potential worth. In her journey, she is helped by Tod M. Volpe, a former high-profile New York art dealer. However, facing an uphill struggle against the elitist art world that refuses to acknowledge the painting's authenticity, Teri vows to prove them wrong, setting the stage for a powerful drama of a self-made woman against the establishment.

Through the eyes of Teri Horton, who exerts an allure through her strong character of a tenacious, street-smart woman, the film offers a fresh perspective on the exclusivity of the art world and sparks debates about the nature of art. It powerfully exposes the inherent classism of the art world, where the arbiters of taste and value often dismiss and undervalue contributions and discoveries from 'outsiders.' Better yet, it suggests that this paradigm needs to shift.

Ben Heller, an internationally renowned art collector and important Jackson Pollock enthusiast appears in interviews throughout the documentary offering his expert perspective. His involvement brings a critical eye from the traditional art world and deepens the understanding of the audience about the gravity of this discovery and the struggle Teri faces.

The film is a fiery clash of cultures as it sets the art world's elite against this no-nonsense woman who's not afraid to speak her mind. Moses uses crisp storytelling flanked by engaging interviews, forensic investigations, and courtroom battles. The documentary meticulously dissects the intrinsic worth of art and the often biased system that appraises its value. The film also raises exciting questions about what makes art valuable. Is it the name of the artist, the aesthetic appeal of the piece, the opinions of the experts, or how much someone is willing to pay for it?

Who The #$&% Is Jackson Pollock? successfully engages the audience, drawing them into Teri's world and her ongoing fight to have the painting authenticated and appreciated. From the cutting edge forensic science methods used to the world of art dealing, auctions and authentication, everything is so beautifully and meticulously portrayed that it keeps the viewer riveted. It offers a captivating journey into an underrepresented aspect of art - its business side.

While this documentary might be viewed as a critique of the pretentious and elite art world, it is primarily Teri Horton's story. It showcases her indomitable will and determination, her daring defiance of the upper crust of the art world, her charm and strength, and her undaunted belief in the worth of her found object or 'accidental investment.'

Regardless of whether an audience member is an art enthusiast or not, Who The #$&% Is Jackson Pollock? offers a broader message about resilience and the courage to stand up for oneself despite the odds. This documentary easily transcends the boundaries of a typical art documentary and serves a delightful treat for lovers of any genre. It is an artful blend of suspense, science, and social commentary that keeps viewers on the edge throughout its exploration of the confluence of art and commerce.