O'Connell: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is a notorious film for tacking one more attempt at greatness on to the already complete series, but to say one thing in its favor, it is definitely a work born of passion for the earlier films, especially Raiders of the Lost Ark. Packed with reference after homage after fedora tip, the film is a love letter to the earlier trilogy with countless tributes to the other films.



The scene taking place at Jones’ residence wherein Indiana has just learned of his “indefinite leave of absence” is especially packed with references. Structurally, it is the same as the scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark in which Dr. Marcus Brody shows up to tell Indy of the new mission and share a celebratory drink, however the drink he shares with Dean Charles Stanforth is a mournful one as the two men are both out of work. This time, Indy is not packing with eager anticipation, but with disheartened acceptance. Note how instead of first grabbing his trademark jacket and coiled leather whip, he first packs neatly folded shirts, underwear, socks, and a coiled leather belt, a sad image of the adventureless life that awaits him.

Similar to Indiana’s disillusionment with the government in the end of Raiders, there is a continued animosity towards the government in this film and this scene, as Charles states “I barely recognize this country anymore, the government’s got us seeing communists in our soup. When the hysteria reaches academia I guess it’s time to call it a career.” (Spielberg, Crystal Skull) After his run in with the government agents at the beginning of the film, Indy is no more thrilled with them than he was in ‘36. When the agents come to the university to search Indiana’s office, Charlie must to allow them, but is forced to resign as he defends Jones. During their conversation, Indy apologizes for having doubted Charlie’s loyalty, who then responds “no, you have reason to question your friends these days”, referencing both the betrayal of Mac in this film, and on a larger scale the constant betrayals of Jones’ many companions over the years.

This scene looks back in many ways, as Indiana is struggling with his own mortality. We learn that in the recent past, both Marcus Brody and Henry Jones, Sr. have passed away, leaving Indy with few companions, and he looks through an old journal that quickly flashes upon a picture of a youthful Indiana who has also gone the way of all things. Indiana has little to look forward to at this point, and instead both Indy and the audience are nostalgically remembering the glory of the past.