An action classic that set the bar for adventure films--maybe too high?

Rating: 8/10 (23 February 2008)

Did anyone know when they released Raiders of the Lost Ark that they were making history? I don't think they did. I'm told by my film making student brother that Spielberg and George Lucas made this with a certain amount of 'camp' in mind to pay homage to the action serials of the 1930's and 1940's which they pull off brilliantly. The budget on Raiders of The Lost Ark was eighteen million dollars, which was no paltry sum almost 30 years ago but it was far from being a big budget picture which went on to gross over 200 million dollars domestically. As brilliant as the film is for adventure I owe the success to ONE man and that IS Indiana Jones, Harrison Ford but more on that in a moment. I don't believe they knew they were making adventure genre history when they made this. First of all it wasn't Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark...he wasn't the focal point of the film. It was about the snakes and boulders and exotic locations, and wise cracks, and romance and just everything about it oozes 1940 classic cinema and people loved it. It is very unique and as a kid it blew me away and kept me riveted. I ALWAYS wanted to be Indiana Jones...ALWAYS. Watching it again years later I admit it didn't quite capture me in the same way but you can't dispute it's brilliance and effect on cinematic history.
Harrison Ford was probably one of the biggest stars in the world. Coming out of Star Wars and Empire Strikes Back it only made sense for Lucas and Spielberg to bring him on this project and he created one of the world's most recognizable and kick ass heroes that he will forever be known for. Ford is hilarious, and smart, and brilliant, and fast and an action hero like none other. His Indiana Jones is probably one of my favorite film characters of all time. He made this film and took an adventure film and made it a whole new genre...the Indiana Jones film. That sly smile and almost clumsy but always suave way makes him amazing. One thing that always rubbed me wrong about the Indiana Jones films was I am never a fan of his women and Karen Allen is really no exception. Her performance is okay but she just doesn't mesh well with Ford and she has to. Her sarcastic, feisty character just annoys more than anything. You don't believe a romance between them and you don't really want her saved. Paul Freeman is devilish and wicked as the villain of the film trying everything he can to kill Jones and make off with the ark for Hitler himself. His end in the film is one of the most memorable and gruesome in my mind. The brilliant and versatile supporting cast all play to one end and that is to lift up the character of Dr. Indiana Jones and that is perfect because Ford could carry this film or any other all the way through. John Rhys-Davies (an amazing character actor and does terrific as the sidekick), and Denholm Elliott, who I always loved as Jones' faithful friend in all three films.
Spielberg is the master of directing...he IS directing and Raiders of the Lost Ark is an example of what he can do with a story and a great character. I mean this film created historical cinematic moments that will be remembered for ever. Indiana Jones, his whip, the boulder chasing him, switching the statue for the bag of sand, snakes...he hates snakes...everything about this film is classic. As an adult you might find it a little campy, almost a mocking tone to it but I don't think that's the intention. I think it was simply meant to represent a different time and genre and it succeeds in a big way. A film that everyone MUST MUST MUST see even if it isn't a HUGE 10/10 for me...I do give it all it's honor for being what it is. 8.5/10