Revisiting cinematic classics can be a revelatory experience, and the first Indiana Jones movie. A cornerstone of action filmmaking that has enthralled audiences for over four decades, the 1981 movie introduced the world to Indiana Jones, an intrepid archaeologist with a penchant for adventure and a fear of snakes. Its pulse-pounding action sequences and whip-smart humor left a lasting mark on cinema history. However, with the age of time comes a fresh perspective, revealing elements of Raiders of the Lost Ark that have aged less gracefully.
Rewatching Raiders of the Lost Ark today unearths many issues with George Lucas and Steven Spielberg's iconic creation, which has since spawned four more feature film installments, a TV series, and other franchise media. Some storylines that once captivated now raise eyebrows, a few production elements look dated, and certain portrayals found in this first of all-time classic action movies, a number of aspects of Raiders of the Lost Ark can be downright cringe-worthy.
Where The Raiders of the Lost Ark Cast Are Now
The first Indiana Jones movie Raiders of the Lost Ark boasted a stellar cast that continued to be as iconic in the decades that followed the film.
9 Outdated Special Effects
It's impossible to ignore the strides made in visual effects since Raiders of the Lost Ark's release in 1981. The practical effects, while groundbreaking in their time, now appear quaint compared to the seamless CGI of today's blockbusters. Instances like the melting face of the unfortunate Major Toht or the iconic rolling boulder of Raiders of the Lost Ark's opening scene, while still charming, bear the marks of a bygone era in movie making. Yet, it's precisely these analog marvels that remind us of the craft and ingenuity that laid the foundation for present-day motion picture spectacles.
Raiders Of The Lost Ark: 10 Things That Still Hold Up Today
From Harrison Ford’s charismatic performance to John Williams’ awesome music, what makes Raiders of the Lost Ark a classic even today?
8 Violent Scenes
In an age where on-screen violence is meticulously choreographed and often tempered with digital finesse, Raiders of the Lost Ark's raw and visceral action scenes can be a stark departure for modern viewers. Some extreme confrontations are unflinching, the stakes are high, and the consequences are unapologetically graphic. For audiences accustomed to more restrained portraits of violence, the intensity of Raiders of the Lost Ark leaves a lingering impact, highlighting the advancing sensibilities of an era now attuned to a wider range of sensitivities. This stark conveyance of physical conflict serves as a testament to the unapologetic tale of its time.
7 Scientific Accuracy
While Indiana Jones is an iconic archaeologist, his methods in Raiders of the Lost Ark raise the eyebrows of scholars. The movie takes creative liberties with archeological practices and historical accuracy for the sake of thrilling narratives. Real-world archeology has made significant strides since the initial release, shedding new light on ancient civilizations, and refining the understanding of their cultures. Moviegoers accustomed to these advancements may notice discrepancies, underscoring the maturing nature of scientific inquiry and an ever-deepening knowledge of the past. This divergence between fictional adventure and real-world archeology serves as a reminder of the importance of critically examining popular visualizations of scholarly pursuits.
6 Pacing
Raiders of the Lost Ark, in its heyday, set a heart-pounding standard for adventure films. However, the pacing that once had audiences on the edge of their seats now appears leisurely in comparison to the breakneck speed of modern action blockbusters. Audiences accustomed to rapid-fire editing and non-stop thrills will find the measured build-up of tension in Raiders of the Lost Ark a departure from now-accepted norms. The film's deliberate pacing, once cutting-edge, is a window into a time when storytelling took its time to unfold, allowing for a deeper immersion into the world of Indiana Jones. There is no question the direction moves slowly at times.
5 Suspension Of Disbelief
As Indiana Jones leaps from peril to peril, there are moments that call for a certain degree of willing suspension of disbelief. While this was par for the course in the 1980s, current audiences, accustomed to meticulously choreographed stunts and seamless CGI, find some sets demanding a larger leap of faith. The daring exploits and narrow escapes that define Raiders of the Lost Ark require a conscious effort to set aside the constraints of reality, offering a glimpse into a time when practical effects and physical stunts were the cornerstones of cinematic spectacle.
4 Use Of Animals
One of the most iconic scenes in Raiders of the Lost Ark involves Indiana Jones navigating a pit of snakes. While it added a palpable sense of danger, some viewers, conditioned to heightened animal rights concerns, will see this usage differently. The treatment of animals in entertainment has undergone significant scrutiny, prompting a reconsideration of how such scenes are approached in filmmaking. There is a scene where a horse-drawn carriage crashes, causing the horse to fall down. This happens during the action sequence in Cairo, where Indiana Jones is in pursuit of the Ark of the Covenant. There is a developing awareness surrounding the ethical treatment of animals for entertainment.
3 Character Motivations
Some character motivations in Raiders of the Lost Ark do not align with the latest storytelling standards. Certain decisions, once accepted in the context of 1980s adventure films, raise questions about their logical consistency. When dissecting the narrative, it becomes evident that certain role choices were crafted to serve the exigencies of the plot rather than arising organically from their established personas. This disjunction from emerging expectations highlights the demands for depth and coherence within the picture’s landscape. Some viewers who are acclimated to more nuanced character development may find moments that seem driven by plot necessity rather than genuine motivation, prompting a fresh look at the characters' actions.
2 Lack Of Diversity & Cultural Sensitivity
Raiders of the Lost Ark notably lacks racial and ethnic diversity among its main cast, and this includes employing a white Welsh actor, John Rhys-Davies, in the role of an Egyptian Arab character. This issue becomes more conspicuous in the current era's concerted efforts to authentically depict a wider range of perspectives. Additionally, the framing of certain cultures and characters may be critiqued as culturally insensitive or stereotypical by today's standards.
1 Portrayal Of Indigenous People And Gender Roles
The exoticized depiction of indigenous people, exemplified by the Hovitos tribe, is insensitive from a modern perspective. While it's in line with adventure movie tropes of its time, modern audiences may scrutinize these displays more closely. Aside from Marion Ravenwood, Raiders of the Lost Ark also lacks strong and dynamic women in significant roles. The absence of multifaceted women protagonists may stand out in contrast to contemporary expectations for more diverse and empowered roles. Marion, while spirited, may be seen through a critical lens for fitting into traditional damsel-in-distress roles, a characterization that may not align with trending ideals of female agency in movies.
