Reminder of the Lost Ark: Oh to be Indiana!

I caught Raiders of the Lost Ark on a satellite station last week. It is one of those kick-ass movies that takes your breath away, and leaves you clamoring for more.

I love the way Spielberg exposes Jones with his hat at the beginning of the film. The way he emerges from the darkness to the light is almost allegorical: here’s Indy about to be more educated –ie capitalize on his knowedge -- about his expertise of the occult from his erstwhile ignorance of the traps that had been set for him as he attempted to steal the gold idol.

More interestingly, what I loved was the way Jones emerges with his hat anda comobata jacket at the beginning with his stubble-covered face, looking all grim, determined, and serious.

This is less of a movie review, and more of a reminder of Spielberg’s brilliance and greatness for having created this incredibly interesting character of all movie history.

Back in Brussels, I recall that BBC1 was notorious for having shown almost every other Christmas one of the Indiana Jones’ movies. As annoying as it was, it was almost always entertaining to be delighted by Indiana’s intrepid character. I grew up with Indiana Jones, and do not regret it one single bit.

Although sometimes the movie resonated with US imperialistic overtones (remember Indiana in the Lost Ark shooting the saber-wielding Arab?), it always somehow managed to show Indiana as a humane and versatile man. More importantly Indy always managed to display intelligence and, sometimes, a chutzpah that reeked of single-mindedness and determination.

Oh to be Indiana! Isn’t there something about him that we would all like to emulate? First, to be strong and intrepid when need be; secondly, to be intelligent and display your knowledge when need be (Jones has a Ph.D and is a kick-ass adventurer (some might say filibusterer!) ); and finally to realize you’re not superhuman by running away from guns and poison-wielding natives instead of being overly brave and trying to fight them.

Oh, and to be wise and shy away from snakes!;-)

Long live Indiana Jones.