Indiana Jones and the Dial of Doom, written by James Mangold, is one of the most anticipated summer releases. And also farewell – at least for now – to the adventures of the most famous archaeologist in the world of cinema. With this part, the first not directed by Steven Spielberg, the fruitful phase of the adventure genre is over, and the story of the Indiana Jones saga is coming to an end.
Which concludes a long journey that began with a chance conversation between Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. A sketch of a collaborative project that has become a symbol in the collective imagination. Plus, immerse yourself in fantasy genre, legendary contexts, and atypical hero abilities in a new way. In particular, with a behavior that is far from the usual clichés of kindness, and with a pragmatic sense of kindness.
Huge legacy to explore
However, the story of the Indiana Jones saga and its journey through the decades is much more than a cinematic curiosity. The franchise’s contribution to the seventh art has been of great importance in understanding entertainment cinema and its scope. Especially as storytelling grew in ambition, resources, and added new dimensions to what films could be. A precedent that exists today and continues to be of great importance in Hollywood.
We bring you all the curiosities of the Indiana Jones saga and analyze the relevance of this story over the past four decades. From his unique way of storytelling adventures to technical and story innovations. This remarkable work by Steven Spielberg is also one of his most enduring legacies of popular culture.
The Beginning of the Indiana Jones Saga
Oddly enough, the whole concept Indiana Jones – as a hero, and then as a symbol of adventure – was born from an unfulfilled desire of its director. The young director at that time really wanted to make a film about James Bond. It was 1979, and despite the fact that Steven Spielberg considered himself one of the most promising personalities in Hollywood, he was still far from being the director of a historical franchise. Something he commented on to his good friend George Lucas during a trip to Hawaii in which they both coincided.
For creator star Wars, the solution was obvious. If they couldn’t make a classic secret agent movie, they could explore a similar plot. At least close enough to keep the spirit of a great adventure epic, but with an original twist. There were discussions between the two filmmakers, sketches, and finally an idea. Combining James Bond with Hollywood adventure classics in a african queen John Huston. For several weeks, the directors discussed the story they wanted to tell. Finally, in the early 1980s, they came up with the first draft, which began the story of the Indiana Jones saga.
The same story that screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan got his hands on. For four days, the writer met with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas to come up with a solid plot. Paramount Pictures immediately accepted the project, despite its unusual plot and the fact that the adventure genre was at a low ebb. However, the character’s unique point of view caught the attention of executives.
Doubts about the lead role
The first few months of the future hero of the big screen was called Indiana Smith. Although George Lucas eventually changed his last name to Jones, which he considered more elegant. At the same time, there were heated arguments about who would translate for the enterprising archaeologist. George Lucas wasn’t too sure about turning down Harrison Ford – his Star Wars star – so Steven Spielberg and the studio explored other options.
The first was Peter Coyote, known for playing the central character in alien in 1982. But the fact that he was a virtually unknown actor worked against him. The next choice was Tom Selleck, the star of the series at the time. Magnum. However, the CBS channel did not allow the translator to leave the filming of the production. So, finally, George Lucas relented and allowed Harrison Ford to play the central figure of the future first film in the history of the Indiana Jones saga.
Low budget, huge success
The first feature film in the history of the Indiana Jones saga was budgeted at $20 million, which meant that most of the special effects had to be improvised by the creative team. However, the production had innovations in camera movements, in the way the action scenes were captured, and in its rhythm. With a fast-paced story set in various exotic locations, from Peru to an island in the Aegean, the director improvised to create a believable atmosphere. The tour included accelerated construction of locations, most of which are removable and some are portable sets. Something that made it easier to experiment with sequences with lots of movement and groups of characters.
It was worth the effort. In 1981, the film became one of the studio hits of the year, grossing $389 million. Which revitalized the genre and opened the door for possible sequels in the future.
New villains in the history of the Indiana Jones saga
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, the second installment in the franchise, is actually a prequel at the request of producer George Lucas. This one wanted to prevent the enemy of the previous one – the Nazis – from becoming such again in the new appearance of the hero. Thus, instead of being discovered after 1936 – when the first one begins – it takes place a year before that.
Studio executives were concerned that the chronological change might affect the public’s understanding of the story. But Steven Spielberg assured that this would not happen, since the plot is a capsule that does not depend on any narrative.
All in all, the second installment of the Indiana Jones saga had consistency issues and went through several changes. Writer Willard Huyck made some questionable decisions. For example, the role of actress Kate Capshaw, who is annoying and crying in the film, or various changes in tone. The result was a story that lacked much of the light element that distinguished the first feature.
Indiana Jones on trial
But it was his scenes of violence that caused a boycott in various US states. The plot twist in which the guests at the banquet eat the brain of a monkey puzzled the audience. Especially the episode in which the follower of the Kali cult rips out the heart of the victim. The parents’ outrage turned into a legal backlash that led to a change in the age limit for the audience.
In response to the protests V MPAA (Film Association) created a category for films intended for general audiences and another category for films intended only for adults. This led to the introduction of the PG-13 age limit for moderately violent films.
The story of the Indiana Jones saga includes a young father
Story Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, the third part of the Indiana Jones saga, released in 1989, made Steven Spielberg’s lifelong dream come true. After considering all the options, including the context of the character, it seemed the most obvious for the film. Well, it also allowed the universe to expand in constant growth. So including Henry, Indiana Jones’ father, would be the perfect way to deepen the script’s central character.
In addition, the director had in mind a very interesting wink. Because the story of the Indiana Jones saga was born out of a vain desire to make a film about James Bond, it was obvious who should play the protagonist’s father. Sean Connery was hired immediately, before any other actor in the production, despite the fact that the actor was 59 years old, only twelve years older than his son on the big screen.
dubious honor
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, the most criticized story in the Indiana Jones saga, showed that the iconic character can make a leap into the future. Steven Spielberg had many doubts about whether to return to the franchise after decades of absence. Finally, he admitted that the idea of a more mature hero who retains his energy is enough for him to transfer it to the cinema.
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However, despite the good intentions, the film is full of inconsistencies and has the most insipid script in the series. Because of what, one of his incomprehensible plot twists entered the history of cinema. In one scene in the opening sequence, Indiana escapes a nuclear explosion by locking herself in a refrigerator. It withstands not only the explosion, but also the shock wave that threw the object several meters away.
Later the phrase blow up the fridge – translated as blow up the fridge– he joined jump over the shark define a crazy storyline. Another curious contribution of Steven Spielberg to popular culture.
Source: Hiper Textual
