Coming up with original, interesting blog topics isn’t as
easy as it might seem, especially for a writer like me that daydreams, plans,
and outlines just about everything I put down on paper. Some writers are
blessed with the ability to just sit down and start spewing out words that wind
up forming a cohesive, entertaining story. In the writing biz, we call those
writers “pantsers”. They do their job by the seat of their pants. I am not a
pantser.
But I’m making an exception tonight. It’s the last day of
the month and I feel that I need to post something despite having nothing in
mind even 30 minutes ago. Nothing at all. So I’m writing about pants. Not just any
pants, but the pants of one of our most iconic cinematic heroes. Yes, I’m
talking about the pants of Harrison Ford. A topic that as far as Google seems
to know, has never been written about before.
Men’s pants are a tricky thing. Take it from me; I’m a man
and I wear pants most of the time. They have to be the right fabric. They have
to provide the right fit. And most of all, they need to flatter the man’s
physique. There are few things worse than a pair of goofy-looking or
ill-fitting pants. Even the manliest of men can be brought to ruin by a bad
pair of pants.
Or can he?
I’d argue that few men in recent history are considered
cooler, manlier, or just flat-out more appealing to women than Harrison Ford. Let’s
take a look at some of his most heroic roles. More specifically, let’s look at
his pants.
Image Credit: Lucasfilm
Han Solo in Star Wars – 1977
Wow, all sorts of bad. Han Solo is one of the greatest movie
heroes of all time, but even long ago in a galaxy far, far away, tight pants tucked
into shiny black boots is not a good look.
Image Credit: Lucasfilm
Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark – 1981
This is more like it. Yes, he’s torn the knee out of this
pair of loose-fitting casual brown pants, but I could wear these. They’re
casual, they look comfortable, and they’re a great match for a holster and
whip.
Image Credit: The Ladd Company
Rick Deckard in Blade Runner – 1982
Blade Runner might be my favorite film of all-time and
Deckard’s trench coat? Bad ass. But his flecked tweed slacks with the
over-sized belt loops? Not good. Not good at all.
Image Credit: Edward S. Feldman Productions
John Book in Witness – 1985
In the movie Witness, detective John Book must go undercover
in Amish country to protect a young murder witness from some very bad men. I’ll
bet all of his buddies back in the precinct gave him grief about these pants
and matching suspenders when he got back. I don’t blame them.
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures
Jack Ryan in Patriot Games – 1992
A little dressy for my taste, but Jack Ryan was working for
the CIA at the time and they’re not exactly known for their business casual
environment. All in all, Harrison Ford and his pants were pretty stylish in
this one.
Image Credit: Beacon Pictures
President James Marshall in Air Force One – 1997
Even disheveled and wielding a machine gun, James Marshall still
cuts a more presidential figure than Donald Trump, doesn’t he? Ford spends this
movie duded up in a dark suit and I believe most fashion critics would approve.
Looking good, Prez!
So what have we learned? Some guys are cool no matter what
pants you put them in. Just make sure you wear some.
Image Credit: Alamy
