by Harrison Ford is truly a living legend of cinema. He has starred in some of the most iconic and beloved films of all time, from Star Wars to Indiana Jones to Blade Runner. But in a 2017 interview with Empire magazine, Ford made a surprising revelation – he said that the 1988 comedy Working Girl was “the funniest movie I ever made.”
This comment took me by surprise, as Working Girl is not often thought of as one of Ford’s most notable films. But upon revisiting the movie, I completely understand why he looks back on it so fondly. Ford gave a fantastic comedic performance that showed a totally different side of his talents.
In Working Girl, Ford plays Jack Trainer, a Wall Street executive who becomes the mentor and eventual love interest to Melanie Griffith’s secretary character Tess. The film is primarily a showcase for Griffith and Sigourney Weaver’s superb lead performances as rivals climbing the corporate ladder. But Ford adds immense value in a supporting role that allows him to flex his underappreciated comedy chops.
Previous to Working Girl, audiences were used to seeing Ford in heroic, stoic roles in films like Star Wars and Witness. But as Jack Trainer, Ford gets to let loose and show off his talent for physical comedy and comic timing. He’s outrageously funny in scenes like the one where he tries to hide from Weaver’s character by ducking underneath a desk, contorting his 6’1″ frame in ways that reminded me of legendary comedic actors like Cary Grant.
Another hilarious moment is when Ford, wearing nothing but a towel, is caught off guard by Griffith’s early morning visit to his apartment. He yelps and scrambles to maintain a shred of dignity, providing laugh-out-loud moments. In interviews, Ford has stated that he prefers playing against type, surprising audiences with atypical roles. Working Girl allowed him to do just that, and he clearly had an absolute blast slipping into the comedic shoes of Jack Trainer.
Beyond the out-and-out funny scenes, Ford adds layers of charm, intelligence, and sincerity to Jack Trainer that makes the romantic arc with Griffith sparkle. He displays effortless charisma in scenes like the one where he joins Tess and her Staten Island family for a dinner of pizza and beer. Ford’s natural likeability as an actor means that even when Jack acts like a bit of a slick Wall Street player, you root for him and Tess to get together.
Some of the biggest laughs in Working Girl come from Ford and Griffith playing off each other as an unlikely couple from totally different worlds. The strong chemistry between the two leads helps anchor the film, providing a romance that is engaging and funny in equal measure. Ford deftly handles the quick-witted, fast-talking dialogue, meeting Griffith punchline for punchline.
Director Mike Nichols does a phenomenal job creating snappy, comedic rhythms between the cast. And Ford clearly thrived under his direction, turning in a performance that should get more recognition as one of the best comedy film roles of his storied career. While revisiting Working Girl, I was amazed by the range Ford shows, effortlessly shifting between laugh-out-loud physical comedy, romantic charm, and pointed dialogue exchanged with the likes of Griffith and Weaver.
In many ways, Ford plays against his laconic public persona in Working Girl. As Han Solo and Indiana Jones, he became known for playing cool, stoic heroes. But as Jack Trainer, Ford is animated, talking a mile a minute and actively clowning around in physical comedy scenes. It represents a totally different energy and showcases the breadth of his acting ability.
Ford’s own real-life experiences prior to stardom also likely informed his performance. He worked as a carpenter early in his career, so he could connect with Jack Trainer hustling his way up the corporate ladder. And having started his family with his first wife, Ford was able to channel the responsibilities and pressures of supporting a wife and kids. You can feel the truth behind his performance because before his big break in Star Wars, he lived a working-class life similar to Jack’s.
Most leading men would have been unwilling to play such an unglamorous, vulnerable blue-collar role. But Ford commits fully to it, juggling the comedy and pathos with a light touch. He truly disappears into the character, and demonstrates an actor’s skill and willingness to take risks that have made him so beloved.
Part of the joy of Ford’s work in Working Girl is seeing him build strong chemistry with other acclaimed actors. His flirtatious banter with Griffith is delightful, and he goes toe-to-toe with the fantastic Weaver in scenes crackling with tension. Ford also gets to trade off Joan Cusack in some of her earliest film roles, as Tess’s wisecracking best friend. The entire supporting cast is stellar, but Ford fits right in and makes his own memorable contribution.
Working Girl represents a creative risk for Ford that paid off beautifully. It reveals a comedic skillset that he rarely got to deploy elsewhere in his career. Unlike many action stars, Ford refuses to just play the same archetypal roles again and again. He consistently makes bold choices that expand his range, and Working Girl is a prime example. It’s a performance that deserves to be mentioned more often when discussing Ford’s greatest film roles.
In the Empire interview, Ford expressed his deep appreciation and fondness for Working Girl nearly 30 years after its release. That says a lot about the lasting quality of the film, and Ford clearly recognizes how special it was for his own career. He got to work with an amazing ensemble cast led by two of the strongest actresses ever in Griffith and Weaver. And director Mike Nichols, fresh off classics like The Graduate and Silkwood, provides a deft comedic touch. It’s clear why Working Girl would be a career highlight for any actor.
Ford is a performer who clearly loves to challenge himself and try on different characters. But he especially savored the chance to make audiences laugh as the roguish, quick-witted Jack Trainer. In a career full of iconic roles, Ford surprisingly singles out Working Girl as the absolute funniest film he ever made. And revisiting his brilliant performance, it’s easy to understand why. Ford found the perfect vehicle for his underrated comedic talent in Working Girl, and his work in the film deserves far more appreciation.
So thanks to Ford for highlighting this gem in his filmography. Working Girl features one of his very best performances that showcases a comedic skillset few of his other roles revealed. It’s an insightful, funny, and heartfelt romantic comedy featuring a once-in-a-lifetime cast firing on all cylinders. And Ford clearly remains grateful, over 30 years later, for the opportunity and joy of getting to cut loose and make audiences laugh in Working Girl. It will always hold a special place among his most beloved films, and his praise for the movie makes me want to revisit it far more often. Working Girl still stands tall as an underrated comedy classic, and it’s endlessly fun to watch Ford steal scenes with his brilliant comedic timing and physicality. So if you haven’t seen Ford flex his comedy muscles in Working Girl, do yourself a favor and check it out. You’ll understand exactly why it’s the funniest film he ever made.
