Movies - TV
Harrison Ford Isn't Happy With His Decision To Turn Down Syriana
By TYLER LLEWYN TAING
Although Harrison Ford has managed to have a thriving career beyond Han Solo and Indiana Jones, the actor hasn’t received much Academy recognition, only being nominated for Best Actor once for 1985’s “Witness.” The day before the 78th Academy Awards, Ford admitted his regret for turning down the lead role in a film that earned George Clooney an Oscar nomination: “Syriana.”
Ford told the Irish Examiner, “I saw a bit of [director] Steve Gaghan’s movie ‘Syriana’ and I wish I’d played the part that was offered to me – George’s part.” Based on Robert Baer’s novel, “See No Evil,” “Syriana” was a harrowing espionage thriller that captured the post-9/11 anxieties of an emotionally distraught United States and critiqued the geopolitical climate of 2005.
The actor explained his decision, saying, “I didn’t feel strongly enough about the truth of the material and I think I made a mistake. I think the film underwent some changes and I think a lot of it is very truthful. The things that I thought weren’t, were obviated after I left the table.” “Syriana” had the makings of an Oscar-worthy movie, but Ford couldn’t see the vision and potential.