About a 5-minute read
Featured Image: Purchased painting by Christopher Clark
There are a few movie franchises, that upon mention or viewing, conjure warm memories of their childhood introduction. Lost in cinematic magic and wonder, recognizable characters and awe-inspiring sets transported me into worlds of pure imagination, cementing my love of these films for life. The sixty-sixth entry on the American Film Institute’s 100 Greatest American Films of All Time (10th Anniversary Edition), is a movie of which I am deeply familiar and that is already on my list of all-time favorites. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark is a keystone movie in my life, one that launched me into such an imaginative fervor that the Indiana Jones series became an obsession in my formative years (sharing that space with Star Wars). Let’s review why Raiders still holds a special place in my heart.
By the time I first saw Raiders of the Lost Ark, all the original Indiana Jones movies were out, with maybe Last Crusade only a year or two old. I had no perception of when the films were made, so they could have just as easily been the serials from the 30’s that inspired them. If my memory has any worth, I believe my first viewing is thanks to my babysitters’ nephew, who was a handful of years older. While he certainly took advantage of my naivete to cause mischief, his taste in movies and massive Star Wars toy collection earned my admiration. Watching Indiana Jones explore a world with innumerable secrets and intrigue, while taking on nasty Nazi foes, was an unforgettable experience. I was immediately hooked. Then, I found out about Temple of Doomand The Last Crusade, and I wanted nothing more than to dive into Indiana Jones’ world again and again to watch him improvise his way through dire situations with the confident swagger of someone who is just as lucky as he is skilled. It wasn’t just Harrison Ford and his bevy of friends that carried the film though. The movie has to have the complete package to become so thoroughly loved.
Few directors make me excited for a film before even watching a single frame, but Steven Spielberg is certainly on that extremely short list. He has created or had his hand on so many enjoyable cinematic adventures that I can forgive Ready Player One (I loathe that movie because the book is so damn good). Spielberg generally has the directorial touch to know what makes a film an experience to watch, with luscious pacing and feel that you can sink into and let the content wash over you. Even with sensitive source material, your senses are rapt to the beauty of how everything is presented. Included in this is Spielberg’s adherence to practical special effects. While later works naturally adopt CGI elements, there is always a foundation of practicality to how Spielberg’s movies feel, and this creates a more immersive and timeless product. Beyond his legendary direction, Spielberg is aided by some heavyweight collaborators. Michael Kahn is Spielberg’s usual editor who can take credit for helping create the superb flow of Spielberg’s films. Then, I don’t know if any composer is better at creating themes and highlighting emotional rhythms than John Williams. Raiders’ music, which seamlessly blends into the on-screen action, will continue playing in your head long after the credits cease, and it is that way with all of Williams’ scores. He is a master of his craft and is responsible for making the Indiana Jones anthology equally recognizable by sight or sound.
For me, the last aspect of Raiders that makes it such a special movie is the characters. Harrison Ford is Indiana Jones, and there can never be another. His movements, expressions, and overall presence are just as memorable throughout the anthology as anything that happens in the films. Ford and Jones should thank one another for making each other cinematic legends. Next, despite Karen Allen having plenty of other roles, she will always be Marion to me; the perfect complement to Indiana Jones who hints at a life outside archeological adventures. Then, John Rhys-Davies is one of the best supporting characters in showing limitless care for his friends and always being available in a pinch. While great as Gimli, he’s always my Sallah. I could listen to him tell me a story or read a book with that baritone voice all day. Also of note, the character Toht (Ronald Lacey) has to be one of the most memorable villains of all time. He is a nuisance that never really accomplishes anything, but he looks so sinister, and has such a snake-like demeanor, that you have to be wary whenever he shows up. Toht is the singular embodiment of Nazi ambition and evil.
There is a joke that Indiana Jones does not affect the outcome of Raiders. The Nazis would have eventually discovered the Ark and opened it to the same result. Jones’ involvement creates a hassle for the Nazis, but his presence ultimately only creates the vehicle for viewers to see what happens when the Ark is opened, which just happens to be one of the more terrifying scenes from my childhood. Regardless, Raiders is a beautiful, fun, fantastic movie that launched one of cinema’s great franchises. As one of the pillar movies in my journey through movie fandom, Raiders of the Lost Ark easily earns its spot on AFI’s list.
HobbyScope 