Detailed Summary
Introduction and Setting
Raiders of the Lost Ark is an action-adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg and produced by George Lucas. It introduces the character Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford), a globetrotting archaeologist in search of ancient artifacts. The film is set in 1936 and combines elements of adventure, historical fiction, and supernatural mystery.
The South American Temple
The film opens with Indiana Jones in a South American jungle, searching for a golden idol in a booby-trapped temple. This sequence establishes his daring and resourceful nature. After retrieving the idol, Jones is betrayed by his guide, Satipo (Alfred Molina), and narrowly escapes a rolling boulder. He is then confronted by his rival, René Belloq (Paul Freeman), who takes the idol from him. Jones escapes by boarding a seaplane.
The Quest for the Ark
Back at his university, Jones is approached by two government agents who inform him that the Nazis are searching for the Ark of the Covenant, which is said to make an army invincible. They believe Jones can find the Ark before the Nazis do. To do so, he must first locate the headpiece of the Staff of Ra, which will reveal the Ark’s location.
Meeting Marion and Traveling to Cairo
Jones travels to Nepal to find Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), the daughter of his mentor, Abner Ravenwood. Marion possesses the headpiece, and after a fiery confrontation with Nazi agents, she agrees to join Jones. They travel to Cairo, where they meet Sallah (John Rhys-Davies), an excavator who helps them decipher the headpiece.
The Map Room and the Well of Souls
In Cairo, Jones uses the headpiece in the Map Room to pinpoint the Ark’s location. They find the Ark in the Well of Souls, but Belloq and the Nazis soon discover them. The Ark is taken from Jones, and he and Marion are left to die in the Well of Souls, surrounded by snakes. They escape and attempt to retrieve the Ark.
The Final Confrontation and the Supernatural
The chase leads to a climactic confrontation on a Nazi submarine base. Jones threatens to destroy the Ark but is captured. The Nazis open the Ark during a ceremonial ritual, releasing supernatural forces that kill Belloq and the Nazis. Jones and Marion survive by closing their eyes, avoiding the deadly power unleashed from the Ark.
The Conclusion
The film ends with the Ark being secured in a crate and stored in a vast government warehouse, its true nature and power kept secret.
Movie Ending
The film concludes with the Ark of the Covenant being stored away in a large warehouse, symbolizing the hidden and often dangerous nature of such powerful artifacts.
Post-Credits Scene
There are no post-credits scenes in Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Type of Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark is an action-adventure film that blends elements of historical fiction, mystery, and supernatural thriller.
Cast
- Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones
- Karen Allen as Marion Ravenwood
- Paul Freeman as René Belloq
- John Rhys-Davies as Sallah
- Denholm Elliott as Marcus Brody
- Ronald Lacey as Major Arnold Toht
Film Music and Composer
The film’s iconic score was composed by John Williams, whose music enhances the adventurous and epic tone of the story. The “Raiders March” is one of the most recognizable themes in film history.
Filming Locations
The film was shot in various locations, including:
- Hawaii: Representing the South American jungle.
- Tunisia: For the scenes set in Cairo and the surrounding desert.
- England: Elstree Studios for indoor scenes.
Awards and Nominations
Raiders of the Lost Ark received numerous prestigious awards, including:
- Academy Awards: Won Best Art Direction, Best Film Editing, Best Sound, Best Visual Effects, and received a Special Achievement Award for Sound Effects Editing.
- Golden Globe Awards: Nominated for Best Director and Best Motion Picture – Drama.
- BAFTA Awards: Won Best Production Design, Best Sound, and Best Editing.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- The famous boulder chase scene was inspired by Carl Barks’ Uncle Scrooge comics.
- The snake scene in the Well of Souls required over 7,000 snakes, creating a significant challenge for the production team.
- Tom Selleck was originally cast as Indiana Jones but had to drop out due to contractual obligations with Magnum, P.I., leading to Harrison Ford’s casting.
Inspirations and References
The film draws inspiration from classic adventure serials and pulp magazines. It pays homage to the early 20th-century adventure genre while creating a modern cinematic experience.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The final cut of the film is closely aligned with Spielberg’s vision. Some deleted scenes and additional content are available in special editions and DVD releases, providing more context and character development.
Book Adaptations and Differences
Raiders of the Lost Ark has been adapted into various novels and comics that expand on the story and characters. These adaptations remain faithful to the film while offering additional insights and adventures.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Indiana Jones retrieving the golden idol and escaping the temple.
- The bar fight in Nepal.
- The Map Room sequence in Cairo.
- The discovery of the Ark in the Well of Souls.
- The climactic confrontation with the Nazis and the opening of the Ark.
Iconic Quotes
- “Snakes. Why’d it have to be snakes?” – Indiana Jones
- “I’m making this up as I go.” – Indiana Jones
- “It’s not the years, honey. It’s the mileage.” – Indiana Jones
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- A small hieroglyph in the Well of Souls features R2-D2 and C-3PO from Star Wars, another nod to George Lucas’ work.
- The map room scene includes subtle references to real historical locations and artifacts.
Trivia
- The film’s budget was around $18 million, and it grossed over $389 million worldwide.
- The character of Indiana Jones was inspired by the classic film serial heroes of the 1930s and 1940s.
- The boulder used in the opening scene was made of fiberglass and was 22 feet in diameter.
Why Watch?
Raiders of the Lost Ark is a timeless classic that combines thrilling action, memorable characters, and a compelling story. Its influence on the adventure genre and its status as a cultural touchstone make it essential viewing for any film enthusiast.
Director’s Other Movies
Steven Spielberg also directed:
- Jaws (1975)
- E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
- Jurassic Park (1993)
- Schindler’s List (1993)
- Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
- Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
- The Mummy (1999)
- Romancing the Stone (1984)
- The Adventures of Tintin (2011)
