Harrison Ford Says His Lowest-Grossing Film Was “Unfairly Treated”

Harrison Ford once opened up about one of the most challenging films of his career, The Mosquito Coast, and why he believes it was treated unfairly by critics.

The 1986 drama, directed by Peter Weir and based on Paul Theroux’s novel, follows a family that leaves the United States to start a new life in Central America, only for the father’s stubbornness and erratic behavior to turn paradise into chaos.

Speaking with Wolf in an interview, Ford said he was drawn to the role of Allie Fox because of the strength of Paul Schrader’s script. “Both Peter Weir and I thought we shouldn’t be slavish to the book,” Ford said. “We needed a different Allie Fox. In the book, Fox is crazy from the beginning. If audiences thought that he was crazy, they’d give up on him.”

Ford described Fox as a complex character. “It’s mostly about love,” he explained. “Fox is a love junkie of one kind or another. He requires respect and admiration from his family and everyone he meets, and he bullies his family into going along with everything. He carries the seeds of destruction within him.”

When the movie was released in late 1986, it struggled both critically and commercially. Despite Ford’s strong performance, it grossed just over $14 million in North America against a $25 million budget.

Critics were split. Siskel gave the film a thumbs up, while Ebert criticized it as boring, though he praised Ford’s acting. Vincent Canby of the New York Times called it “utterly flat,” while Rita Kempley of the Washington Post praised Ford’s nuanced performance and the film’s emotional depth.

Ford has consistently defended the film. Following its release, he told The Hollywood Reporter, “There have been mixed reviews, and I think the film has been very unfairly treated in some quarters. I have never seen a serious film treated so badly by the critics. And I think they’re wrong.”

“I don’t mind saying I’m here trying to counter those negative reviews…. Critics see a film and then rush to review it. This is the sort of movie that really doesn’t sink home for about three days. It is disturbing and makes you think. It stays with you.”

In a 1992 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Ford reflected on the film’s commercial failure. “It’s the only film I have done that hasn’t made its money back. I’m still glad I did it. If there was a fault with the film, it was that it didn’t fully enough embrace the language of the book. It may have more properly been a literary rather than a cinematic exercise. But I think it’s full of powerful emotions.”

The Mosquito Coast has since earned a more positive reassessment. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 78% approval rating, with critics noting that Ford delivers one of his most complex performances.

This story highlights how sometimes a film’s quality or emotional impact isn’t immediately recognized. Even a star like Harrison Ford can face criticism and box office disappointment despite strong work. It’s a reminder that time can change perspectives on art.

I think it’s interesting how a movie initially seen as a failure can later gain respect. Ford’s defense shows his passion for the project and belief in the story. What do you think about The Mosquito Coast and Ford’s performance? Share your thoughts in the comments.