I've seen it argued in two very different places that Indiana Jones was completely ineffectual in Raiders of the Lost Ark. Had he not been involved the outcome would have been the exact same.
But this was predated by What Are you Doing Movie (formerly Down in Front):
"Once the Nazis get the Ark, if Indy went home, it would turn out the same way. … Now, if this was a Vin Diesel movie, he would kill all the Nazis and then he would punch God back into the box."
— Down in Front,
Raiders of the Lost Ark @0:04:40
So here is my take on the concept. I agree that Indy did not affect the action surrounding the Ark (other than killing and maiming many people, who I am sure felt that he was quite influential in the movie of their lives).
But actually, what he changed was himself, and his relationship with Marion. He had a character arch in which he changed. The Ark didn't change, the fate of the world didn't change, but there was a personal level of change. This isn't what we expected and maybe it's not what some wanted, but I do think it was worth the movie, and better than Amy's dismissal. What do you think?
Also, this was one of the experiences that influenced who Indy was when he searched for his father in Last Crusade. Did he affect the world in that one?
Let's talk about it.
BTW: I remember my Dad loved two specific parts, first was when he complained that he hurt everywhere and Marion could only kiss him on the forehead (just before he fell asleep), and the second one was when he put on a stolen Nazi uniform and it didn't fit.
But this was predated by What Are you Doing Movie (formerly Down in Front):
"Once the Nazis get the Ark, if Indy went home, it would turn out the same way. … Now, if this was a Vin Diesel movie, he would kill all the Nazis and then he would punch God back into the box."
— Down in Front,
Raiders of the Lost Ark @0:04:40
So here is my take on the concept. I agree that Indy did not affect the action surrounding the Ark (other than killing and maiming many people, who I am sure felt that he was quite influential in the movie of their lives).
But actually, what he changed was himself, and his relationship with Marion. He had a character arch in which he changed. The Ark didn't change, the fate of the world didn't change, but there was a personal level of change. This isn't what we expected and maybe it's not what some wanted, but I do think it was worth the movie, and better than Amy's dismissal. What do you think?
Also, this was one of the experiences that influenced who Indy was when he searched for his father in Last Crusade. Did he affect the world in that one?
Let's talk about it.
BTW: I remember my Dad loved two specific parts, first was when he complained that he hurt everywhere and Marion could only kiss him on the forehead (just before he fell asleep), and the second one was when he put on a stolen Nazi uniform and it didn't fit.
