Henry Jones Jr. vs Indiana Jones in LC

[Raiders112390]

So...

With Dad along for the ride in LC, Indy tones down himself greatly or at least attempts to--Wears a tie, has his collar neat and buttoned, doesn't really grow his stubble out and isn't as ruthless as in Raiders or ToD. His attitude also seems different, much more...aggitated and at the same time also more humble than in the preceding adventures. In fact, he at times acts closer to his younger self (as shown in YIJ) than he does his older, tougher self. Would you say we're seeing more Henry Jones Jr. or Indiana Jones in LC?

[Violet Indy]

Yeah, maybe. I often wonder in that case, what about KOTCS? And which side of him, does Marion really love? She obviously knows his real name, being around the University of Chicago where he was taught by Abner but still...

[Raiders112390]

That's the thing. There is a duality to Indy, which few people mention. He has two identities, perhaps in homage to early comic book heroes which also were prominent during the 30s-60s. I think that's something Lucas and Spielberg did on purpose, and it is what sets him apart from other adventurers. While his two identities are not personalities or as prominent as say, Superman and Clark Kent, they are distinct nonetheless.
One is Dr. Henry Jones, Jr., a well educated, mild mannered ivy league professor of archeology. Clean cut and dressed conservatively, Dr. Jones is probably would seem to be your average professor to his students (who find him attractive) and co-workers, and perhaps might even be a pretty boring guy in his daily life. He worked as a spy and soldier during WWI clandestinely, and might also haved worked as a spy during WWII for the OSS, so he probably has an interest in world affairs. Except for Marcus and perhaps those in the know at the museum, his adventures are probably not well known of. His occupation as a professor of archaeology, besides being his chosen profession, is a good front to cover his other source of income.

His other identity is that of Indiana Jones, a treasure hunter edging on grave robber who will resort to violence and murder if necessary to discover and retain artifacts. A stealthy man, he will also use deception and wit to retain said artifacts. Perhaps he is so stealthy because of his experience as a spy. This ''evil'' side is balanced out by his belief that it belongs in a museum and in a way, his preservation of the past (symbolized by these artifacts) redeems him of the evil things he has to do in order to get the job done. This belief also connects his two identities.

It is interesting to ponder which side of Indy it may have been that Marion first fell in love with as a young girl. Perhaps she was wooed by his sensitive, good guy side, or perhaps she was attracted to his bad boy, adventurer, war veteran side (if she even knows that he served in the war). That's another thing: What does Marion know about Indy? I mean, I wonder if he told her about his marriage to Deidre and his affairs and engagement to Molly and his involvement in the war or she has no idea about those things.

[Indy Geek]

Very well said. Interesting thoughts!!:cool:

[Lonsome_Drifter]

That's the thing. There is a duality to Indy, which few people mention. He has two identities, perhaps in homage to early comic book heroes which also were prominent during the 30s-60s. I think that's something Lucas and Spielberg did on purpose, and it is what sets him apart from other adventurers. While his two identities are not personalities or as prominent as say, Superman and Clark Kent, they are distinct nonetheless.
One is Dr. Henry Jones, Jr., a well educated, mild mannered ivy league professor of archeology. Clean cut and dressed conservatively, Dr. Jones is probably would seem to be your average professor to his students (who find him attractive) and co-workers, and perhaps might even be a pretty boring guy in his daily life. He worked as a spy and soldier during WWI clandestinely, and might also haved worked as a spy during WWII for the OSS, so he probably has an interest in world affairs. Except for Marcus and perhaps those in the know at the museum, his adventures are probably not well known of. His occupation as a professor of archaeology, besides being his chosen profession, is a good front to cover his other source of income.

His other identity is that of Indiana Jones, a treasure hunter edging on grave robber who will resort to violence and murder if necessary to discover and retain artifacts. A stealthy man, he will also use deception and wit to retain said artifacts. Perhaps he is so stealthy because of his experience as a spy. This ''evil'' side is balanced out by his belief that it belongs in a museum and in a way, his preservation of the past (symbolized by these artifacts) redeems him of the evil things he has to do in order to get the job done. This belief also connects his two identities.

It is interesting to ponder which side of Indy it may have been that Marion first fell in love with as a young girl. Perhaps she was wooed by his sensitive, good guy side, or perhaps she was attracted to his bad boy, adventurer, war veteran side (if she even knows that he served in the war). That's another thing: What does Marion know about Indy? I mean, I wonder if he told her about his marriage to Deidre and his affairs and engagement to Molly and his involvement in the war or she has no idea about those things.

This needs to be printed in a book!
Wonderful post, and gave me alot to gnaw over.

But, I thought Indy was his most aggresive while on the bridge in ToD, and while fighting Mala Ram for the stones.
The look in his eyes as he speaks Hindu(is it Hindu?) while him and Mola Ram fight for the bag still gives me chills!

[Agent Spalko]

Let me ask you this; when you are in the presence of your father, do you act like yourself or do you fall back into the role of respectful son? Of course Indy isn't acting like himself and the moments he tries (like the motorcycle chase) his father scolds him disapprovingly.

[Lonsome_Drifter]

Let me ask you this; when you are in the presence of your father, do you act like yourself or do you fall back into the role of respectful son? Of course Indy isn't acting like himself and the moments he tries (like the motorcycle chase) his father scolds him disapprovingly.

I love the look Connery gives him after Indy sends that guy flipping over the handle-bars with that pole.
Indy laughs, and Connery just stares him down with a huge frown on his face.

[lynchpin]

He cuts apart three Germans with an MP-40. That particular moment, while ending on a joke, always struck me as particularly ruthless.

[Agent Spalko]

He cuts apart three Germans with an MP-40. That particular moment, while ending on a joke, always struck me as particularly ruthless.

And shooting the Cairo Swordsman isn't?

[Darth Vile]

I think Agent Spalko summed it up... Indy is demonstrating behaviour mirrored by most sons to their fathers. Indy travels all around the world having amazing adventures, but to his father, he's still a boy with much to learn (like most of us are). Of course, by the end of the movie, I think his father sees him more as an equal, which is part of the charm of LC i.e. a journey of self discovery.

[tupogirl]

It is interesting to ponder which side of Indy it may have been that Marion first fell in love with as a young girl. Perhaps she was wooed by his sensitive, good guy side, or perhaps she was attracted to his bad boy, adventurer, war veteran side (if she even knows that he served in the war). That's another thing: What does Marion know about Indy? I mean, I wonder if he told her about his marriage to Deidre and his affairs and engagement to Molly and his involvement in the war or she has no idea about those things.

I was thinking this as well.

If she was around him in the Mystery of the Blues time, I could definitely see it. His musician/poet soul, his 'let's go do it' attitude, and him being around all the gangsters and their illegal alcohol selling could definitely lure a girl in!

[Nurhachi1991]

And shooting the Cairo Swordsman isn't?




Thats what I am saying!!!! The Swordsman did not need to die he showed no signs of hostility and was most likely a nice guy........... Maybe he was a badass with a heart of gold guess we will never know..... Thanks alot Indy

[Agent Spalko]

Thats what I am saying!!!! The Swordsman did not need to die he showed no signs of hostility and was most likely a nice guy........... Maybe he was a badass with a heart of gold guess we will never know..... Thanks alot Indy

A nice guy with a scimitar? Sounds like a new art house film.

[Raiders112390]

A nice guy with a scimitar? Sounds like a new art house film.

Well, Indy's a nice or ''good'' guy who has a gun and kills people. So maybe the Cairo Swordsman was really just a good guy at heart, with a bunch of kids. He probably was just showing off.

[Agent Spalko]

If he was well loved then why did the crowd cheer when Indy shot him? :gun:

[Raiders112390]

If he was well loved then why did the crowd cheer when Indy shot him? :gun:

bloodthistiness? Perhaps some guys in the crowd had bets on it. Like

"Hey look, Hassan's going to fight the crazy whip toting American. I got $20 on the American!"

[Dust McAlan]

I definitely feel that Indy acts more subdued around his father, but that ruthlessness is still present. See earlier in the film during the Venice chase, when he decks the guy into the water, then holds Hassan at bay as the propeller nearly kills them both. Then, of course, the tank chase sequence brings out the Indiana in him: shooting through a row of Nazis, slamming Vogel's face into the hatch on top of the tank. Indiana Jones is a rough and tumble guy who's pissed off a lot of people before, and knows how to get out of a tough situation if he has to, where Henry Jones, Jr. is the ecstatic teacher and researcher of history. That's who addresses Henry Senior, while Indiana is the man who handles the tough stuff.

Let's also not forget the scene where his Indy goes into full red alert in front of his dad. After they nearly get blown up by the airplane:

Henry: "He's trying to kill us!"

Indiana: "I KNOW DAD!!"

Henry: "This is a new experience for me."

Indiana: "Happens to me all the time."