Indiana Jones And The Raiders Of The Lost Ark (1981)

Directed by: Steven Spielburg

Written by: George Lucas and Philip Kaufman

In 1936 a Professor of archeology named Dr. Jones has discovered an ancient golden relic in the jungles of South America.   After nearly meeting his death, he returns to the sanctuary of his classroom only to be tempted by another mysterious artifact.  Marcus Brody tempts Jones by telling him about The Ark of the Covenant, which supposedly holds the answers to life and the existence of humans.  Before he can attempt his mission he must visit places such as Nepal and Egypt where he continues to tempt death.  It soon becomes obvious that Jones is not the only one searching for this artifact.  In fact, it seems he may have to overpower an entire group of Nazis in order to reach it.

When I think of Raiders Of The Lost Ark the first thing that comes to mind is surprisingly not snakes, but to me is, ”Bad dates”.   The simple scene that drives the suspense of Indies life to moments of pure nail biting torture, while his mortality is being contemplated, not by himself, but is perfectly defined by a curious monkey.  How close he was to having his own life expired, and how cool and calm he was about it, even though he was quite aware of the luck, is Indiana Jones at it’s best.  It’s brilliant attention to the smallest detail and it’s regard for the humans most simple devotions to their own fears and psyche is what makes it so special.

This film was made while three of the greatest men in Hollywood history were at their peaks in their careers.  George Lucas, Steven Spielburg, and the ever charismatic Harrison Ford made a movie that other than it’s own sequels, has not been re-made or even touched in it’s magnificence since.  There are a few things that make Indiana Jones different from other movies out in the world today.  The depth and complexity of it’s main character goes past intriguing and delves directly into a bonafide enigma.  The only person who could fully understand Indiana Jones is himself.  While he doesn’t necessarily crave danger, but does not cower from it either, and crashes through barriers with no regard for his personal safety.  The intellect of the character coupled with the amazing charisma of Harrison Ford and his clever demeanor makes women adore him and men dream about being him.  While Han Solo is possibly one of the greatest characters ever on the big screen in the history of film, even Indiana Jones surpasses him.  Harrison Ford said years ago that he couldn’t play a character as one dimensional as Han Solo again, but he’d never say no to Indiana Jones, as he is even his favorite role of all time.

Lucas hit it right on the head in this script with a keen ideal for a world that was ours but different nonetheless, the spirituality, the history, and the action combined, not to forget about the brilliant character’s and vision of it’s obviously untouchable spectrum, Lucas must have known he was opening yet another door to a Hollywood franchise that would be forever loved and adored by the general public.  Then handing the script to a man with a vision like Steven Spielburg, the man who made Dual, was perfect fit to create the trifecta of perfection that became Raiders Of The Lost Ark.  Even today it still has the same feel of mystery and magic as it did when I was a young girl.

Making this movie changed movie history.  It changed the way films were looked at and viewed and was one of the first movies to prove what depth and complexity an action adventure movie could have.  It was one of the most clever and engaging films of all time.  It is the very definition of genius movie making.  Raiders of the Lost Ark should have it’s own category deemed: too perfect to rate, but alas I am subject to my four stars, and it is what I will give it.