We continue our latest series of examining some of the works outside the saga of some of our most beloved actors in a galaxy far, far away.
As we conclude this series today, we finish with one of the biggest stars in our galaxy – Harrison Ford.
Bio
Harrison Ford was born 13th July 1942 in Chicago, Illinois. Ford has become not only one of the biggest and most successful actors of his – or any generation – but perhaps a cultural icon and the last of its kind. We all know he is a self-taught carpenter and aviation pilot and his films have amassed just under $10 billion at the global box office. He has five children and is happily married to Calista Flockhart. It’s hard to find anyone who isn’t familiar with Ford’s work as he had impacted every part of the pop culture zeitgeist but below we’ll be taking a look at some films that might have slipped you by or perhaps some you’ve not seen in a long time.
Blade Runner (1982)
This masterpiece has truly become a sci-fi classic over the decades and has also become a source of contention for fans and it’s filmmakers. Based on the novel Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep? By Phillip K. Dick it tells the story of replicants who walk among mankind and Rick Deckard (Ford) whose job it is to track them down. Though the film underperformed at the US box office, it has since become a cult classic for its complex story and themes and powerful visuals. The debate has constantly raged about whether Ford’s character is a replicant or not with Ford disagreeing with director Ridley Scott on the matter and, of course, it’s down to you the viewer to make your minds up. A worthy follow-up of equal quality was released in 2017; Blade Runner 2049, starring Ryan Gosling.
Witness (1985)
Regarded as one of the finest in Ford’s career, it remains the only motion picture to have earned Ford an Oscar nomination. It really is a very special film and one would expect no less when it’s directed by Peter Weir who went on to direct future cinematic classics such as Dead Poets Society and The Truman Show. Ford stars as Detective John Book who must help a young Amish boy and his mother to safety after the boy witnesses a brutal murder and becomes a target. Ford is on powerful form here and proves he’s an actor of dramatic range. A true classic.
Regarding Henry (1991)
Another powerful drama that allowed Ford to sink his teeth into a role far away from fedoras and Falcons. The film is written by J.J Abrams and tells the story of a man who survives a brutal store shooting but is left with speech and mobility issues. In the process of his healing, he’s able to truly reconnect with his wife and son. The film won massive praise for Ford’s performance, and it marked a golden age of the 90s where Ford reigned supreme as Hollywood’s leading man who kicked some bad guy bottom but did it with an emotional core.
Morning Glory (2010)
This romantic comedy is actually one of my favourites of recent years as it allows Ford to show off his innate comic talents and timing. A starry cast is on display with Rachel McAdams, Dianne Keaton, Patrick Wilson and Jeff Goldblum. The story follows a failing morning news show that is struggling in the ratings but a young producer decides to bring TV news anchor legend Mike Pomroy (Ford) into the mix to really shake things up. Though Ford was supporting in the role, he was praised for his natural star power and once again applying a human and empathic side to a comedy. Well worth a watch on a rainy afternoon over the winter to warm you up.
The Age of Adaline (2015)
This delicate film came at a time when The Force Awakens was just under a year away and Ford had a minor slump in hits for a couple of years. It’s a tender story about a woman named Adaline, played by Blake Lively, who stops aging at the age of 29 due to a freak accident. Years later, though actually around her 70’s and still looking 29, she falls in love with a young man and the story is set in motion though I don’t want to give too much away. Ford’s performance is magnetic and commanding in the role and it’s unlike anything you’ve seen him in before. The film also gained attention for Anthony Ingruber who plays a young Ford and it’s uncanny. So much so, in fact, that people thought it was CGI trickery but it wasn’t. Ingruber later went on to double for Ford in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
What Lies Beneath (2000)
Another fan favourite from Ford’s long list of varied roles comes this horror starring Michelle Pfeiffer. The film was a box office success and tells the story of a woman who cannot decipher if her house is truly haunted or if she is losing her mind. Ford played against type for the role and the two leads are compelling against each other. It’s hard to talk about this film without spoilers so if you haven’t seen it then clear room in your diary. This was also the film that director Robert Zemeckis shot whilst Cast Away took a break to allow Tom Hanks to lose weight and grow out his beard for the beloved desert island film.
The Fugitive (1993)
This film remains one of the most lauded in Ford’s career and spent a whopping 6 weeks at number 1 at the US box office and earned a staggering $370 million against a $44 budget. Ford stars as Dr. Richard Kimble who is framed for the murder of his wife and sentenced to death. He escapes custody and sets out to find the real killer whilst being hunted by a US Marshal played by Tommy Lee Jones who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. The film holds 96% on Rotten Tomatoes and won widespread worldwide acclaim and was released at a time when Harrison Ford was the undisputed all-American Hollywood hero.
Honourable Encore Mention –
Shrinking (Television series/2023 – present)
We couldn’t end this series of Star Wars actors without mentioning a very special project indeed. Harrison Ford has received praise unlike any other of his career for his role in this ensemble TV comedy-drama series. It’s second season is about to come to a close on AppleTV+. Ford has been nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Golden Globes and having seen the show myself I can attest that not only has Ford never been better but it’s also the best show on television right now. Period. Ford shines in the role and proves that he’s the last of his kind – a movie star with immense talent and star power the likes of which we’ll probably never see again. Ford’s best quality is that he’s the everyman who finds himself in extraordinary situations. He’ll always be the imperfect hero.
Harrison Ford will not slow down. He’ll next be seen in Captain America: Brave New World releasing on February 14th 2025 and also starring in the second season of Yellowstone: 1923 on Paramount+ which begins airing February 23rd.
