Oria, The Making of Indiana Jones

            When someone thinks of Indiana Jones, they automatically picture a fearless archeologist and his Iconic hat, bullwhip, and leather jacket.  The first two films do not explain how Indiana became who he is.  It is not until the opening sequence of The Last Crusade that the audience is given some sight into Indy’s past.  I personally felt that it was insightful but at the same time I found it to be funnier more than anything.  It is a short glimpse into Indy’s formative years; how he became the valiant adventurer that he is.  I appreciated that Indy’s face was hidden for most of the beginning scene.  This is reminiscent of the first two films.  As for the other moments, they attempted to explain the choices Indy made throughout his life.  However, the most insightful moment that occurs during the opening establishes the relationship Indy has with his father. 

            The choice to hide Indy’s face for the first few moments is reminiscent of the first two films.  Both of those films began in the same way.  By doing so, it automatically establishes which character is Indiana Jones.  It also establishes that the moments to follow will be a chaotic adventure just as the others were. When Indy spots the Cross of Coronado he is outraged that it has fallen into the wrong hands.  He proceeds to try to steal it claiming that it belongs in a museum.  This proves that Indy has always had an appreciation of antiquities. 

            In proper Indiana Jones fashion, a chase ensues.  During this chase, the origins of his unique qualities are revealed.  Besides his wild adventures, Indiana is known for his iconic hat, leather jacket, and bullwhip, but how did that come about?  Well this movie answers those questions.  Indy first tried his had at a bullwhip when he falls into train car with a lion in it.  They were also able to incorporate the scar on Harrison Ford’s chin.  Indiana also adapts the hat that he sees the main robber wearing.  It is almost as if we are looking at a mirror into Indiana’s future.  The audience also discovers why Indiana is so afraid of snakes.  His fear is mentioned in previous films but the reason is not revealed.  Turns out, during this chase sequence, he falls into the reptile train car and directly into a box of snakes.  Safe to say, Indy’s fear is validated in that instant.  I am pretty sure that would make anyone terrified of snakes for the rest of their life. 

            Spielberg was quoted saying that he felt that Temple of Doom was, “too dark, too subterranean, and too horrific.”  Ford agreed with this opinion and it was decide that “Last Crusade need to recapture the humor and fun of Raiders of the Lost Ark,” (Pfeiffer, 175).  The third film definitely did just that.  The best decision that could have been made was the addition of Indiana’s father Dr. Henry Jones Sr.  I personally felt that this was the funniest of the three films and by far my favorite.  The most insightful moment that depicted their relationship occurred in the opening.  After Indy returns with the cross, he goes straight to his father.  Rather than pay attention to his frantic son, Henry Sr. tells young Indy to count backwards in Greek.  He is so wrapped up in his grail journal that Henry Sr. disregards what his son is telling him.  This establishes his father as someone who values knowledge and the classics rather than any artifact that his son finds.  Overall, I felt as this was the most significant moment in the opening simply because it sets up the rest of the film and the conflict that Indy has with his father.