Friday Film Noir
Clear and Present Danger (1994) is an intense political thriller directed by Phillip Noyce and written by Donald Stewart, adapted from Tom Clancy’s novel. The story follows Jack Ryan (Harrison Ford), a CIA analyst who is unexpectedly appointed acting Deputy Director and quickly finds himself navigating a covert U.S. operation in Colombia. As Ryan uncovers evidence that American forces are secretly engaged in an illegal war against a drug cartel, he realizes the mission is being run without oversight and outside the law. Caught between the White House, the CIA, and military commanders in the field, Ryan is forced to choose between following orders and exposing the truth. The situation escalates into a dangerous confrontation that tests Ryan’s loyalty, judgment, and willingness to act independently.
Filming took place in California and Mexico, with jungle environments used to double for Colombia due to security and logistical concerns. Harrison Ford pushed for a more physically involved version of Jack Ryan, performing many of his own stunts and insisting that the character spend significant time in the field rather than behind a desk. Director Phillip Noyce worked closely with U.S. military advisers to stage combat scenes using authentic special-operations tactics, particularly during the jungle ambush and extraction sequences. Willem Dafoe’s role was expanded during production to sharpen the moral tension inside the covert operation. Tom Clancy was closely involved in how military and intelligence elements were portrayed. At the Oscars, Clear and Present Danger received a nomination for Best Sound.
