James Mangold, the director of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, has had the privilege of working with some of the most talented actors in the industry, including Harrison Ford in his final outing as Indiana Jones. Mangold is fascinated by Ford’s unique approach to his craft, which he attributes to his exceptional ability to subvert expectations and go against the grain of typical movie tropes. This ability is what makes Ford a beloved actor, and it is a quality that Mangold aimed to capture in their collaboration on Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
Mangold describes Ford as a collaborative partner, always eager to engage in a dialogue with the director and explore different ideas. This willingness to engage and respond to the director’s ideas is something that Mangold observes in many exceptional actors, including Robert De Niro, Russell Crowe, Christian Bale, and Angelina Jolie. These actors require a director to be their audience, responding to their improvisations and providing a sense of energy and feedback.
Harrison Ford (Via Harrison Ford/Twitter)
Ford’s ability to undermine the tropes of a scene is particularly notable, as exemplified by his iconic improvised line, “I love you, I know,” in The Empire Strikes Back. This impulse to play against the text or grain is what makes Ford’s performances so memorable, and it is a quality that Mangold aimed to capture in their collaboration on Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Mangold found himself reacting to Ford’s improvisations and ideas during filming, feeling like he was the only audience the actor had.
One memorable scene in which Ford punched Mads Mikkelsen through a felt hat illustrates Ford’s ability to defy rational explanation and turn the expected into the unexpected. This impulse to subvert expectations and push the boundaries of conventional storytelling is what makes Ford’s performances so iconic, and it is a quality that Mangold believes is at the heart of his enduring appeal. Ford’s willingness to push the boundaries and defy convention has served him well throughout his career, from his early days as Han Solo to his more recent roles in shrinking and 1923. His ability to capture the essence of Indiana Jones in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is a testament to his enduring talent, and Mangold is grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him on this project.
