Product Description

Harrison Ford gives one of his most powerful portrayals as an obsessive inventor whose dream of creating a jungle paradise erodes into a survival-of-the-fittest nightmare. Year: 1986 Director: Peter Weir Starring: Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, River Phoenix

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #30293 in DVD
• Brand: Warner Brothers
• Released on: 1999-12-14
• Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
• Formats: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD, Full Screen, Letterboxed, Widescreen, NTSC
• Original language: English, French
• Subtitled in: English, French
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: 1.00 pounds
• Running time: 117 minutes

Amazon.com essential video
A year after his American film debut, Peter Weir reteamed with his Witness star (Harrison Ford) for a tricky adaptation of Paul Theroux's novel of a modern man who takes his family into the jungle. The results are mixed, but the film is galvanized by Ford's atypical performance as inventor/madman Allie Fox. Paul Schrader's script sets up Allie as a man who follows his idea: that America is dying and the real "four-in-the-morning courage" is found in returning to the essence of life, here the jungles of a fictional Central American country (it was shot in Belize). With his family in tow (including Helen Mirren and River Phoenix), Allie creates a utopia when his inventions create a local sensation, but seedier elements from bandits to evangelicals (led by Andre Gregory) take their toll. Certainly, it's hard to root for a central character who is unpleasant ("a know-it-all who is sometimes right," as one states), and the film's second half is not as interesting. But Weir's film is logical and true in its progression and, as usual, is beautifully crafted (he also reteams with the cinematographer, editor, and composer of Witness). Ford's rawness is reminiscent of many an actor's foray into the meaty role of an independent film--which this film is certainly not--and, unfortunately, it was not the direction he ultimately pursued. --Doug Thomas

Customer Reviews

Harrison Ford's best work
Peter Weir's under-appreciated masterpiece draws a striking comparison between religious zealotry and the utopian fantasies of technological imperialism. The smarmy Reverend Spellgood heads south into Central America to spread the Christian faith. Paranoid inventor Allie Fox does likewise, but his mission is somewhat different though no less religious in its intensity - he wants to bring ice, and by his logic 'civilization', to the locals. Both men are 'missionaries', both equally blind to the personal and social costs of the 'salvation' they bring. The cast is excellent. Helen Mirren is near flawless as the devoted but cautious mother, and River Phoenix really impresses as the coming-of-age son through whose eyes the story unfolds. But Ford is absolutely perfect as the father. This was truly inspired casting, as it uses our latent feelings for the actor to put us in precisely the same position as his on-screen family: we want to love him - this quintessentially paternal hero - despite his destructive obsession. But in the end we have to accept that he gets exactly what he deserves. I'm surprised Ford doesn't seek out more roles like this one, rather than settling for repetitive action fare or trying to reinvent himself as Bogart. Adapted with considerable skill by Paul Schrader from an exquisite novel by Paul Theroux, this film is a rare find: a powerful, gripping, moving story with something important to say.

(Harrison) Ford Has a Better Idea
Harrison Ford gives one of his most forceful and compelling performances as Allie Fox, an inventor who moves his family to the jungle of Central America to establish an isolationist utopia. As his dream builds, and then unravels, he moves along the scale from manic genius to meglomanic obsession, putting him at heightened odds with God, nature, man, and finally, his own family. Ford's dazzling performance is enhanced by Helen Mirren's quiet intensity as his loyal wife, and River Phoenix's thoughtful portrayal of his observant oldest son. Look quickly for cameos by Jason Alexander (TV's "Seinfeld") and Butterfly McQueen ("Gone With the Wind")! A beautifully photographed and handsomely mounted production, perceptively directed by Peter Weir.

The DVD offers both widescreen and pan & scan tranfers; I preferred the widescreen which preserves the film's magnificent visual compositions. Video and sound are both clear and crisp, and the theatrical trailer makes a nice bonus supplement. Recommended for fans of Ford and Weir, and for viewers who like a strong mix of character study and action-adventure.

Where was Oscar?
Say about this movie what you want, if you like Harrison Ford because of his acting ability, this is the movie to watch. Ford gives an enticing, complex, and multi-facetted performance as Allie Fox, a man with a vision of utopia, blind to the reality that binds him. With his vision and inventions, Fox takes his family into the rain forests of Central America, where he sets a chain of events in motion that soon eludes his control and --in the destructive devastation released on man and nature-- the scope of his imagination.

Mr. Ford's portrayal of this driven, and in the end obsessed man is not that of a simple villain. Through Allie Fox, Mr. Ford brings to the screen a range of emotions no other character has ever allowed him to explore and does an amazing job with. This is the kind of performance that desrves an Academy Award.

A great, albeit less popular follow up to 'Witness,' 'The Mosquito Coast' reunites Ford with Australian director Peter Weir. This is a great movie, visual and character driven. Finally, it is available in the grand widescreen format it deserves!