George Lucas had the story, but not the time to direct. He was too deeply involved with his Star Wars movies. He described the idea to Steven Spielberg, suggesting he direct a film based on it. Spielberg agreed, and what evolved was Raiders of the Lost Ark. The film was not expected to be a blockbuster, but it was. It earned 5 Oscars and led to 3 more movies featuring the exploits of Indiana Jones. The name was changed to Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark in keeping with the titles of these additional films.
Harrison Ford was not the first choice to play the lead, primarily because he had already appeared in two George Lucas films, American Graffiti and Star Wars. Tom Selleck was chosen, but his commitments to his television series, Magnum P. I., led him to turn down the role. Several other actors were considered before the role was finally offered to Harrison Ford shortly before production was to commence. The role turned Ford into a certified box office draw and is generally credited with making him a star.
The role of Marion Ravenwood was first offered to Debra Winger, who turned it down. Karen Allen was then cast as the daughter of Jones’ mentor. John Rhys-Davies turns in a performance as the Egyptian digger, Sallah, Indy’s friend. Denholm Elliott appears as Marcus Brody, the curator of the museum that purchases most of Indiana’s finds. The part of Belloq, a French archaeologist who delights in thwarting Indy’s plans, is played by Paul Freeman.
The movie carried a budget of around $20 million, as compared to about $18 million for Lucas’ 1977 Star Wars and approximately $28 million for Blade Runner, which was filmed in 1982. Raiders turned out to have the highest box office of 1981, grossing more than $380 million. Considering every major studio rejected the idea at least once, this was undoubtedly a pleasant surprise for Paramount.
The movie takes place in 1936. Indiana Jones is an archaeologist who routinely embarks on harrowing journeys in search of rare artifacts. He is also a university professor. In the first few minutes of action, he penetrates the jungle, navigates his way through numerous booby traps and retrieves a golden idol. Almost instantly, Belloq, along with a tribe of natives working for him, forces Indy to give up the prize. After managing his escape from the natives, Indiana returns to the classroom. Two intelligence agents call on him and tell him that the Nazis have recruited Belloq to find the Staff of Ra. Indiana’s old friend, Abner Ravenwood, is supposed to have this artifact, which can be used to recover the Ark of the Covenant. Jones tries to locate Abner in Nepal, but finds Abner’s daughter instead. She bears Indy some hard feelings, but tells him her father is dead and that she may have what he seeks. All the while, she is wearing the staff’s headpiece around her neck. Before the two can work out their differences, the Nazis launch an attack. Indiana and Marion escape, the headpiece in their possession. The action is fast and furious, with more close calls and harrowing adventures. Eventually, the Nazis and Belloq end up with the Ark. Bellow insists on opening it so it can be tested before it is delivered to Hitler. When he opens it, everyone in the vicinity of it is killed except Indiana and Marion, who avert their eyes. Finally, the Ark is brought back to America, where it ends up stored in an unspecified warehouse.
The film received Oscars for Sound Effects Editing, Visual Effects, Art Direction, Film Editing, and Sound. It received a nomination in the Best Picture category but did not win. Ben Burtt was in charge of sound effects while Industrial Light and Magic handled the visual effects. John Williams was nominated for his score but lost to Vangelis, who had scored the immensely popular movie, Chariots of Fire.
Filming proved to be a challenge for the cast and crew. Tunisia stood in for the scenes set in Egypt, and many people became ill from dysentery and other diseases. It was particularly hot, and some of the scenes took a toll on the actors. The scene where Indy shoots the swordsman who has been displaying his prowess with the weapons was not in the original script. Ford was ill and did not feel up to playing the scene as written. He suggested shooting the character, and Spielberg agreed. Ford was also injured when an airplane wheel ran over his knee while filming a fight scene.
Since its premier, Raiders of the Lost Ark has been a perennial fan favorite. In 2008, a DVD version which included extras as well as correcting some errors was released. The film is also available in a boxed set.
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