Introducing Indiana Jones, archaeologist-adventurer extraordinaire

Rating: 8/10 (11 March 2009)

Steven Spielberg's classic adventure film "Raiders of the Lost Ark" hardly requires introduction. Harrison Ford stars in what is perhaps his signature role, that of rugged archaeologist Indiana Jones. Here the U.S. government recruits him to track down the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis can get their hands on it. Thus begins the first of (to date) four films based on the adventures of Indiana Jones.
The script, written by Lawrence Kasdan from a story by George Lucas & Philip Kaufman, is jam-packed with action & adventure. There are numerous classic scenes, though I think that the characterization & humour is not quite as sharp here as it would become later on. All in all, the story is a rousing, old-fashioned adventure yarn recapturing the spirit of a bygone era.
The cast, while not exactly stocked with A-list names, proves to be well-assembled. Harrison Ford is ideal as Indiana Jones; one can hardly imagine anyone else playing the character. Karen Allen fares well as Jones's love interest but I think that the most memorable supporting performances come from the likes of John Rhys-Davies, Paul Freeman & Ronald Lacey.
Spielberg's direction is well handled as always but I'm not completely sold on Douglas Slocombe's sometimes overly dark cinematography. The score, on the other hand, ranks as one of John Williams's best, which means that it is very good indeed. "The Raider's March" is one of the most instantly recognizable themes in all of film and "Marion's Theme" is quite memorable as well.
In conclusion, the Indiana Jones films (especially this one) are essential viewing for any film fan. Start here and continue on to "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" and (my favourite) "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade".