Indiana Jones: Childhood and backstory

The introduction of Indiana Jones into theaters presents an interesting question to the viewer. Who is Indiana Jones and where did he come from? Why is he the way he is, and how did he come to be that way? While some felt no reason to elaborate on this was necessary, screenwriter Jeffery Boam said, "He [Jones] was always being presented full blown with his fedora and bullwhip".  
     

It is very difficult to find a picture of Indiana without his trademark whip and hat. In The Last Crusade we finally get a glimpse into the private life of Indiana Jones, and not just a peek into his status as a doctor of archaeology. The flashback to Indy's childhood shows us a thematic quest like  urgency that is expressed as an innate genetic trait. River Phoenix does well in representing a youthful Indiana Jones, and Sean Connery also does well as the father figure. Although the importance of backstory is key, the backstory is more clearly defined in the relationship that is forged between Ford and Connery as the film progresses. While in some ways they are defining their own pasts and their destiny's, Pfeiffer writes, "The script allows Ford and Connery to define what cinematic chemistry is all about" (Pfeiffer 180). More importantly than the storyline of the Jones' past and the ideal of atonement is the dynamic stage presence that Connery and Ford command together. While the slapstick comic relief plays well in Temple of Doom, and Raiders of the Lost Ark, the finale of the trilogy shows us a comical, maybe cheesy, but more emotionally engaging dynamic between Indiana and his father. The theme of atonement is ever present and expected, his father is the driving incentive causing Indy's quest, however the situations that the duo get into together is exciting because there is a doubled expectation of brash, courageous adventure. Ford and Connery alike both are stars when it comes to action films and they both thrive in this one, creating a dynamic of emotional filial engagement alongside a true action oriented adventure. 

          The background on the characters gives the audience more ammunition for Indiana and his father to look at. As we know very little about Indiana before, now we know that he has always been just like his father, and in return his father is much alike him. They are self reliant, value their privacy...etc. However, watching them in the film together is interesting because we get to see two characters a generation apart, with only slightly different mindsets, striving for the same goal together, all as a father and son team. The film does a great job poking fun at this, especially through the character Elsa, because where the damsel in distress, or the seductress would normally take her spot in this film, instead there is a strange bond between father and son.