I remember watching Raiders on VHS when I was 6 years old. And back then, movies were neat... because movies were real. When the Nazis opened the ark, I absolutely made sure to keep my eyes closed, saving myself from a face melting. And a movie that was as real and magical to me as a kid is one that's just as magical to me today. After watching it for the first time, I was enamored—just as any young boy would be—I wanted to be an adventurer and crack whips with a cool hat. I remember reading a Young Indiana Jones choose-your-own-adventure book at least 4 times through, reading through every possible scenario. And today, I have a huge respect for the filmmakers. Steven Spielberg took big chances taking on this film and it's B-movie concept, and created a remarkable piece of cinema that has had no equal to this day.
The opening scene establishes character and sets the tone perfectly. We get a great reveal of our hero Indiana Jones as he unarms a man with the crack of his whip, at which point, the expression on our faces matches that of Alfred Molina's character. Indy makes his way through a booby trapped temple with ease, grabs a golden idol, and barely escapes getting pancaked by a giant boulder.
The great thing about Indiana Jones is that he's not the typical cliché action-hero; he doesn't work for a secret agency, he doesn't have super powers from some radioactive goo... he's a professor - an archeologist... in essence, a regular guy - a nerd. A nerd that can thrown down in fisticuffs - with punches that pack a sonic "POW!" thanks to Sound Designer Ben Burt. And to go even further, he's afraid of snakes. I can't imagine anyone else but Harrison Ford in this role. Ford blends this odd mixture of characteristics into a believable guy with likable, smarmy coolness. If Tom Selleck (Magnum, P.I.) took the part, this would be a very different movie (and not just because there would be more chest hair).
Marion Ravenwood, not your typical damsel in distress. We're introduced to her as she's taking shots with a jolly Nepalese fellow and literally drinks him under the table. She can hold her own and knows her way around a 12-inch skillet, but she's just vulnerable enough to need a heroic rescue.
"Truck? What truck?" The chase scene is one of the most exciting action sequences ever put on film. The framing, pacing, and editing are magnificently orchestrated. I don't have to explain to you how awesome the scene is. It's no question why Michael Kahn has been the editor on so many Spielberg movies.
John Williams has composed some of the most memorable scores in movie history. Along with Star Wars, Superman, and Jaws, the Indiana Jones theme is instantly recognizable. And when the exuberant theme plays as Indy swims onto the German U-boat, we can't help but cheer along with Mr. Katanga and his crew.
And the movie doesn't end in this climactic fight scene where Indy beats Belloq with a punch to the solar plexus, it ends with Indy being smart enough to know what to do when the Ark is opened, and the bad guys end up killing themselves. Their faces melt and their bodies explode with eye-popping special effects - it's a wonder this movie didn't propel the PG-13 rating rather than it's sequel. It's a completely unconventional ending for a movie of its kind, but somehow... it works... and it works perfectly.
Raiders of the Lost Ark is a testament to the fact that movie-making is truly a collaborative effort, and where every effort came together to make an outstanding piece of cinema gold.
The Bottom Line:
(Never trust little Aladdin vest wearing monkeys). It's a great example of why George Lucas and Stephen Spielberg dominated Hollywood in the 80's. A thrilling adventure with all the ingredients of a great movie: a charismatic protagonist, evil nazis, and face melting. It's the reason I love movies.
