Richard: Raiders of the Lost Ark

Throughout this movie series, Indiana Jones did a great amount of changing.  Similar to Star Wars, each movie was a small journey within itself.  When all of these journeys were put together, they formed a bigger journey that Ford’s character had to overcome. 

Indiana Jones starts off as a character that mainly goes out for things that will benefit him.  That is evident in the “Temple of Doom” because his main goal at the beginning was to have the diamond.  He even risked the lives of other people to get what he wanted.  The same was evident in “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”  There is a clear understanding of how he makes that transition from mercenary to indentured knight.  His transition then allows him to obey the authority above him.  Ford described his character as having many dimensions.  He said, “He’s kind of a swashbuckling hero type, but he has human frailties, fears, and money problems, and therefore is more down to earth.  He does brave things, but I wouldn’t describe him as a hero,” (Pheiffer, 115).  This is significant because it demonstrates how complicated his character is and may lead to understanding why he has a journey from mercenary to indentured knighthood. 

The most obvious point that Indiana moves from a mercenary to an indentured knight occurs during the scene where he is faced with the decision to either have the girl or the ark.  He makes the decision to keep the girl.  This shows maturity on his part because earlier in the film he probably would not have made the same commitment.  He realizes that he should no longer be selfish and should help others.  Scenes before this such as when he left her tied up, indicate how he was still on a mercenary track and had not yet matured into the indentured knight stage.  Fame and glory at the beginning was his main motive.  When he discovered all the risks and danger he put Marion in, he slowly started changing his feelings for her. 

Another significant scene was the one where Marion was put inside one of the baskets.  Indiana Jones made a strong effort to get her back.  We even saw when he thought she died, he was sincerely upset.  Indiana warning Marion not to look at the ark was also a sign of protection.  His knighthood is granted when he realizes that it is his duty to be the protector of others.  He also comes to terms with accepting the authority of a higher power.  He is now doing something for the government, even though his own motives are still in it.

I also think it is significant to talk about how he felt at the end of the film.  When he discovered where the ark was, it made him upset and very distrustful in the government.  He lost his faith as discussed in class.