Re: Three Indys

Posted by nitzsche from 1Cust73.tnt17.sfo3.da.uu.net on January 21, 1999 at 23:29:28:

In Reply to: Three Indys posted by M Cheyne on January 21, 1999 at 15:20:49:

: A while back, someone posted a statement that there were three
: different Indiana Jones, one for each film. I guess this makes sense.
: Actually, I thought it was really very true, so I compiled some
: descriptions of all the different Joneses.

: KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES

: 1. "Raiders" Indy--This Indy is the "loner". While he has a few friends, they are all quite serious. We get none of that goofy comic relief element from "Temple" or "Crusade". Marcus Brody is an intelligent, philosophical sort, as is Sallah. Marion is independent, and Indy cleary loves her, but (1) is more concerned about his work, and (2) doesn't want to get involved in another doomed relationship. It's worth noting that this is the only film in in which the long action set piece features Indy alone, with no partners. That piece is also the best. For most of the film, Indy denies any sort of philosophy or religion: he laughs at Marcus, he totally ignores Belloq's rant. However, at the end Indy lets his curiosity loose, leaving him to let Belloq open the Ark. This is soon overwhelmed by a rather unscientific idea: Obey the Ark (and God's) rules. He does so, and is spared. Finally, this Indy is rather jaded. He has little or no patriotism. He takes the job not for hatred of the Nazis, but finding an archaelogical treasure.

: 2. "Temple" Indy--This one is sort of an oddball, a hodgepodge of elements cobbled together. For the most part, this Indy is a superhero. He has a sense of cosmic responsibility. Despite the fact that there is little or no incentive, Indy takes up the task of getting the Sankara Stones, and the lost children. This is also the only adventure that shows Indy's concern for children. In romance, Indy is rather affable. He likes Willie, they smooch a bit, but you get the feeling he's gonna drop her like a hot potato a few minutes later. This feels too much like one of those "Bond girls" that only appear for one film. Finally, this Indy is more responsive to "extreme possibilites". He not only believes in the power of the Stones, he practically recites word for word a Hindu prayer.

: 3. "Crusade" Indy--The early scene also features a childhood Indy. This Indy is basically a Boy Scout (literally and figuratively). He will take on overwhelming odds, just for a small trinket that "belongs in a museum". The ending could be a reason for Indy's jaded thoughts later on in life. Back to the bulk of the "Crusade" Indy. This Indy is a bit different than "Raiders", but not by much. He's older, more thoughtful. He philosophizes, talks things over with Marcus, and Dad. This also is an irritable Indy. He is touchy on his family subject, passionately angry at the Nazis and what they stand for, annoyed at his friends' comic relief. This also is a rather course Indy in love matters, hopping into bed with Elsa at the first opportunity. The ending features a more spirtual sort of Indy, believing in the Grail's power, and coming to terms with his family.

Very nice sum of the multi-faceted Indy!

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: : A while back, someone posted a statement that there were three 
: : different Indiana Jones, one for each film. I guess this makes sense.
: : Actually, I thought it was really very true, so I compiled some
: : descriptions of all the different Joneses.

: : KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES

: : 1. "Raiders" Indy--This Indy is the "loner". While he has a few friends, they are all quite serious. We get none of that goofy comic relief element from "Temple" or "Crusade". Marcus Brody is an intelligent, philosophical sort, as is Sallah. Marion is independent, and Indy cleary loves her, but (1) is more concerned about his work, and (2) doesn't want to get involved in another doomed relationship. It's worth noting that this is the only film in in which the long action set piece features Indy alone, with no partners. That piece is also the best. For most of the film, Indy denies any sort of philosophy or religion: he laughs at Marcus, he totally ignores Belloq's rant. However, at the end Indy lets his curiosity loose, leaving him to let Belloq open the Ark. This is soon overwhelmed by a rather unscientific idea: Obey the Ark (and God's) rules. He does so, and is spared. Finally, this Indy is rather jaded. He has little or no patriotism. He takes the job not for hatred of the Nazis, but finding an archaelogical treasure.

: : 2. "Temple" Indy--This one is sort of an oddball, a hodgepodge of elements cobbled together. For the most part, this Indy is a superhero. He has a sense of cosmic responsibility. Despite the fact that there is little or no incentive, Indy takes up the task of getting the Sankara Stones, and the lost children. This is also the only adventure that shows Indy's concern for children. In romance, Indy is rather affable. He likes Willie, they smooch a bit, but you get the feeling he's gonna drop her like a hot potato a few minutes later. This feels too much like one of those "Bond girls" that only appear for one film. Finally, this Indy is more responsive to "extreme possibilites". He not only believes in the power of the Stones, he practically recites word for word a Hindu prayer.

: : 3. "Crusade" Indy--The early scene also features a childhood Indy. This Indy is basically a Boy Scout (literally and figuratively). He will take on overwhelming odds, just for a small trinket that "belongs in a museum". The ending could be a reason for Indy's jaded thoughts later on in life. Back to the bulk of the "Crusade" Indy. This Indy is a bit different than "Raiders", but not by much. He's older, more thoughtful. He philosophizes, talks things over with Marcus, and Dad. This also is an irritable Indy. He is touchy on his family subject, passionately angry at the Nazis and what they stand for, annoyed at his friends' comic relief. This also is a rather course Indy in love matters, hopping into bed with Elsa at the first opportunity. The ending features a more spirtual sort of Indy, believing in the Grail's power, and coming to terms with his family.

: Very nice sum of the multi-faceted Indy!

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