The Mosquito Coast (1986)

19 January 2016

Finally, FINALLY, I watched "The Mosquito Coast", which as been on my radar since forever. Let's get into it.

The acting is first rate all around. As I told Jacob, this is the movie that has convinced me Harrison could act beyond his usual range. His performance as Allie Fox has a manic energy I've never seen from him before. Helen Mirren is excellent and gorgeous as Mother, Allie's long suffering wife. River Phoenix turns in a superb performance, yet again confirming the potential he had to be the actor of the last twenty-five years. And the younger kids playing the Fox family also do a fine job as well. Martha Plimpton and Jason Alexander deserve mention too.

The writing is excellent. Allie's rants are insane genius. Mother tries to hold the family together. The kids unravel over time. Even supporting characters and extras are given interesting things to say and do that really adds to the film. While the script is good, the overall story is the weak link. It doesn't have much structure, instead following Allie's crazed mindflow with occasional outside forces thrown into the mix. I can understand why "The Mosquito Coast" was initially a disappointment.

The production is also excellent. Blaine in "Predator" was quite right when he said Central America makes Cambodia look like Kansas. Weir's direction makes the jungle in "The Mosquito Coast" look physically oppressive and claustrophobic. Harrison looks the part, presaging Ted Kaczynski to a degree. Helen spends much of the film in loose fitting clothing. ^_^ The local supporting characters and extras all look authentic.

"The Mosquito Coast" is an important entry in Harrison Ford's filmography, perhaps the film where Harrison stretched himself the furthest. Overall, the film is everything I thought it'd be and more.

Recommended