When the average moviegoer hears the name Harrison Ford, the immediate associations are likely with iconic characters such as Indiana Jones or Han Solo. However, for those willing to explore beyond the confines of blockbuster franchises, Ford’s portrayal of Richard Kimble in The Fugitive might come to mind.
Yet, it’s a role from a relatively obscure 1986 film that Harrison Ford once held as his personal favorite. The film featured an ensemble cast that included Helen Mirren, a youthful River Phoenix, and André Gregory. It was helmed by director Peter Weir, and adapted from a novel penned by Paul Theroux, who happens to be the uncle of Justin Theroux.
Harrison Ford’s Favorite Film Isn’t A Franchise
In his personal favorite film, The Mosquito Coast, Ford takes on the role of a disenchanted inventor who flees to the Honduran rainforest alongside his family. Written by Paul Schrader, the film delves into the shadowy facets of the American dream, revealing the shattered idealism that awaits certain individuals at its conclusion.
In an interview with Gannett News (via ScreenRant), Harrison Ford expressed that the character of Allie Fox was the most compelling role he had come across since Witness. This collaboration reunited him with Peter Weir, who had also directed the 1985 film, offering Ford a welcome change of pace after his involvement in Star Wars and Indiana Jones projects spanning from 1977 to 1984.
Ford said (via ScreenRant):
“It’s the only film I have done that hasn’t made its money back. I’m still glad I did it. If there was a fault with the film, it was that it didn’t fully enough embrace the language of the book. It may have more properly been a literary rather than a cinematic exercise. But I think it’s full of powerful emotions.”
Ford also commended River Phoenix, who would later portray the young Indiana Jones in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Harrison Ford Called His Indiana Jones Co-star A Nazi
In a GQ interview, Mads Mikkelsen discussed several notable films and projects from his career. In the context of Indiana Jones, he portrayed Jürgen Voller, a character inspired by the real-life Nazi scientist Wernher von Braun. Mikkelsen shared insights into his experience working alongside Harrison Ford, highlighting their excellent working rapport. He also recounted a prank that Ford playfully pulled on him whenever he arrived on set.
Mikkelsen told GQ
“Normally, he would just see me wherever I was, randomly, far away, and he would scream ‘There goes a Nazi!'”
Mikkelsen amusingly shared that some crew members who were unaware of the film’s plot were genuinely frightened by his character, believing him to be a real Nazi. He also lauded Harrison Ford for his youthful spirit and unwavering professionalism on set. Ford’s down-to-earth demeanor, despite his legendary status, greatly impressed and earned Mikkelsen’s admiration.
The Mosquito Coast is available for renting or purchase on Google Play.
Source: ScreenRant, GQ
