Hall: Crusading

In the first two movies, Indiana is portrayed as a rather static character, although his motives develop. He is always a ball-busting, treasure-seeking, thrill-hunting, spontaneously erratic, hot adventure man. What Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade brings to the table, is a dynamic understanding of how and why Indian Jones is the way he is and the reason for his usually protean motivations. I use the word protean in describing his motivations because repeatedly throughout the films, Indian sets forth on his quest for the purpose of attainment, glory, and reward but in the end realizes a different motivation (Temple of Doom and his return of the stone for the villages prosperity, Raiders of the Lost Ark and his realization of Marion's worth and meaning). 
I particularly enjoyed the opening scene in which Indiana comes across treasure seekers uncovering the golden cross of Coronado. His attempts to wrestle away the cross from these 'baddies' reinforces what we've seen of Indian's lifelong fascination and love for artifacts. As well as his desire to attain such things, not simply for their monetary benefits, but also to see them in their rightful place, "they belong in a museum!" This adolescence drive and resourcefulness also fortifies our opinion of Indiana because it shows us that this desire and passion is not a recent development in Indian's character. 
While I didn't think the explanation of Indiana's hat and whip were completely necessary in showing the development of the character, it did become a nice tidbit once explained. One thing I thought about while writing this blog was the inclination of male figures to reward younger males when they feel that the younger male has done something of worth. They show their approval by placing their hat upon the younger male's head. This action is seen repeatedly throughout films, especially when it comes to figures admired in our society such as policemen and fireman. While a treasure seeker is not the most 'straight and narrow' epitome of admiration, we tend to still glorify such thrill seekers. I've don't think I've seen this type of exchange between women, which makes me wonder why this is such a meaningful display between men. 
 As Pfeiffer and Lewis commented “. . .the opportunity to learn something more about the character.  The device of introducing his father played by Sean Connery was a stroke of genius,” (Pfeiffer & Lewis 175).  I agree with this statement completely as the introduction of Jones Sr. allowed the audience to understand Jones' motivations and personality through his daddy issues. His impulsive behavior, search for fact instead of truth, mistrust of authority all relate to his relationship with his father. I think this was one of my favorite Indiana movies because it showed true character development and gave a whole new dynamic to who and why Indian is a sexy, whip-carrying, artifact-loving beast. It also needs be to said that Sean Connery was brilliantly casted as Indiana's father. Who else could have played Indiana's father but James Bond?