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AIR FORCE ONE

Starring Harrison Ford, Gary Oldman, Glenn Close, Dean Stockwell

Director Wolfgang Petersen

Opens July 25

The last Ford who played the President of the United States was better known for falling down than for kicking terrorist butt — but never mind. The actor formerly known as Han Solo was reportedly paid $20 million to pretend to be the leader of the free world — an impressive sum even by DNC standards. Gary Oldman got only $3 million to be the wigged-out Russian terrorist who hijacks the presidential jet, but by now Oldman can play evil in his sleep. And whatever Glenn Close got for being the first female Vice President, it wasn't enough: Al Haig in drag wouldn't be a tougher cookie. Still, the presidential action hero concept is perhaps a bit of a stretch. ''Yeah, that's true,'' says Petersen. ''If it was Bill Clinton up there, he'd be in trouble. But this is Harrison Ford. He can be very convincing as a president and as an action hero. He pulls it off.'' As for Oldman, his over-the-top baddie routine (see also The Fifth Element) is wearing a bit thin, even for him. ''To be honest, I'm a little tired of playing them,'' he admits. ''I long to do a comedy.'' Still, he says, ''it was fun knocking Indiana Jones around.'' UPSIDE Indiana Jones and a July release date — the perfect summer combo. DOWNSIDE After the White House thrillers Murder at 1600 and Absolute Power, moviegoers may be ready to vote the genre out of office.


Posted May 16, 1997 | Published in issue #379 May 16, 1997 | Order Article Reprints