The director Harrison Ford handpicked for one of his greatest movies: “I know your next film”
Who doesn’t love Harrison Ford?
He’s the world’s favourite grumpy grandpa, only unlike your actual grandpa, he’s been a part of some of the biggest and greatest films ever made – from huge franchises like Star Wars to influential classics such as The Conversation – but if you ask some people, he made his best film in 1993.
The Fugitive is based on the 1960s TV show of the same name – Ford plays Richard Kimble, a doctor who has been framed for the murder of his wife, goes on the run and is pursued across the country by US Marshal Sam Gerard (played by Tommy Lee Jones), and it was a huge success, grossing over $368million on just a $44m budget, and surprisingly, for an action flick, it was well represented at the Oscars, nominated seven times in 1994, with Jones scooping the prize for ‘Best Supporting Actor’.
The Fugitive was directed by Andrew Davis, and prior to this runaway hit, his biggest successes had come alongside everyone’s favourite man, Steven Seagal – he helmed both Above the Law and Under Siege, which helped make the certified maniac a household name, having previously been attached to make the original version of The Running Man, but he was fired during that movie’s hectic production.
Speaking to Rolling Stone as part of the movie’s 30th anniversary celebration, Davis recalled how he came to be involved with The Fugitive – he had been at an afterparty for Under Siege when producer Arnold Kopelson, who had previously helped make Platoon, approached him with an idea.
“Kopelson came in and said to me, ‘I know your next film,'” Davis recalled. “I didn’t know Kopelson. I knew he was somehow involved in putting the money together. He was like a broker or a salesman. And so I said, ‘OK.’ And then I got a call Sunday night from the head of Warner Brothers production, Bruce Berman. He said, ‘Congratulations.’ I said, ‘What?’”
“He said, ‘Well, Harrison Ford saw Under Siege over the weekend, and he wants you to make The Fugitive.’ I said, ‘OK. Amazing.’”
Andrew Davis
Davis ended up being a huge factor in The Fugitive’s success. He was the one who cast Jones in the role of Gerard, even though he would go on to describe the actor as “crusty”. Gene Hackman and Jon Voight were also considered for the role.
While shooting the movie in Chicago was reportedly Ford’s idea, Davis was the one who integrated the Windy City so deeply into the film. He was nominated for both a Golden Globe and a Directors Guild of America award for his work, but sadly missed out on a ‘Best Director’ nod at the Oscars.
Unfortunately, The Fugitive would mark the high point of Davis’ career. He had a small hit with A Perfect Murder in 1998, but would never reach the dizzying heights of that dam scene ever again. He did make the 2003 film Holes, though, which, if you’re a late 90s kid like me, you will know is a big deal.
