Is Harrison Ford a good actor?

Question

While he is most definitely likable, it seems to me that he plays himself or a similar character in all of his movies. If he is a quality actor, what roles showcase his talent or range?

Answer 1

Of course this depends on what you mean by "good actor." I'm with you: he is likable, so much so that it's enjoyable just watching him play his character over and over. But compare him to someone like Dustin Hoffman. Jeez he was great in The Graduate as a recent perfect college grad. But then in no time he was completely convincing as that scummy character in Midnight Cowboy. He's a mild mannered guy who snaps in Straw Dogs, a marginal actor on the make in Tootsie, an autistic middle aged guy in Rain Man, tormented victim in Marathon Man, a screwed up dad/husband trying to get his act together in Kramer vs. Kramer, and on an on. And he is believable in all these roles.

But as for Ford, you know what to expect of him so much that he can get some mileage out of just playing a secret bad guy. For instance, the drama in What Lies Beneath comes from all of us expecting him to play his usual role, which he does most of the movie, but it turns out our presuppositions--totally based on previous movies--are wrong. I've often thought that that movie would not have worked with another actor about whom we had no such presuppositions.

All this notwithstanding, he has given us two characters for which movies fans in general can all be thankful for: Hans Solo and Indiana Jones. How many actors can say they have done that much with their careers?

Answer 2

Dude, he's Indiana Jones. What more could you want from him. The reason he plays the same character in all of his movies is because the producers don't want him to change. He found a niche that he plays pretty well... the clumsy somewhat comedic guy who gets himself into extraordinary situations and has to kick some butt (Archaeologist being chased by Nazis, President with a hijacked airplane, CIA desk jockey that has to go to Columbia, computer programmer with a hijacked family) . Samual L Jackson plays a bad***, Harrison Ford has his thing.

Answer 3

Harrison Ford...positively. Ford has between the suited strains ever in Empire whilst Leia says "i admire you." and he in basic terms seems back at her and says "i comprehend." Plus..the completed Romancing The Stone ingredient grow to be in basic terms a unfavorable attempt to make a greater female captivating version of Indiana Jones. i'm no longer asserting Douglas is a foul actor, a ways from it. he's ideas-blowing, yet his suited function grow to be in Wall street and the sport wasn't too undesirable the two. i think of the two play very distinctive characters too. Ford's are greater of a bumbling hero collectively as Douglas performs the extremely chaotic-paranoid guy fantastically lots. I in basic terms ensue to love the bumbling hero archetype greater useful.

Answer 4

He is a decent actor, but not great. His talent doesn't hold a candle to Pacino, De Niro, and Eastwood.

Ford is one of those actors who won't age like wine. We'll probably still see him doing formulaic action/adventure movies even when he's 80.

Answer 5

I don't think that hes that good of actor right now. He was good when he was doing Star Wars, Indiana Jones even Air Force One. All of his recent stuff is just bascally doing the same kind of character over and over again.

Answer 6

Yes, watch Mosquito coast.

Answer 7

I'll tell you what role certainly did'nt show any quality was REGARDING HENRY. Just plain pathetic.

Answer 8

He's entertaining, but he's just kind of himself in every film.

Answer 9

I don't really think he has much range. I agree - he's pretty one dimensional.

Answer 10

he is a star but not super star