While I find the tangent discussion this thread has developed into, interesting, and I may offer my thoughts on it at some point, I will, for now, opt to answer the question:
Colonel Corey said:
What is your favorite Indiana Jones scene of ALL TIME????? Just post the title, what happens, what characters are in the scene, and there you go! You have chosen your favorite scenes!
If you would like to choose a favorite scene from my choices, then please submit a scene in the poll above.
Glad it's not limited only to the one's listed in the poll, as my fave and a few others are missing from the options!
My favorite Indiana Jones scene of all time is easy to choose, (although there are many I love), because it's possibly my favotite scene of ANY movie of all time! It also contains my favorite shot from an Indiana Jones movie! Indiana Jones in the Map Room!
I love this scene best because it's visually, and musically, sublimely orchestrated! And It's truly EPIC! A highly symbolic, sumptuous, tour de-force for the eyes, and ears. For starters, Although the whole movie is a period piece, something about seeing Indy in those Egyptian garments gives the scene an even older "Old-World" feel, and makes that moment seem like it was set in another place and time from everything happening around it. The ancient setting, heiroglyphics and three dimensional model add to that older period feel. Also, Indy is physically isolated from everything that is erupting around him, and from everyone, even though Sallah is none too far away. But for the moment it's as if Indy is alone in another universe, with The Divine creator guiding him.
I also love this scene because there is a suspense to it. Indy has to discover the Ark before the Nazi's, and he has to seize the moment NOW, before he runs out of days, and time. Not only that, but he has to be as stealthy as possible, so as to not be noticed, "or this whole thing will be shot"! This is THE pivotal turning point in the movie. His success is hinged on this moment. It pretty much inferr's that Almighty God has led him through countless dangers, and trials to this moment in time, and that this providence has destined him to fulfill this mission. That he is meant to be used by God to thwart evil, and save the day! I read in an interview, that I believe was with Spielberg, where he described this shot as his Demille homage, and of it being influenced by him, both visually and musically in the cues John Williams evokes. I think that influence is undeniable, and yet Spielberg makes it his own, simultaneously!
This scene is also a drastic change in circumstances for Indiana, compared to what preceded, and what follows. Whereas, throughout the movie he has been struggling in his goals, against opposition, only to be, either robbed ambushed, outnumbered, or playing catch up, and barely able to stay one step ahead. In this moment he has a significant advantage against his adversary. He is ahead for once, and he has the answers he needs, and the resources, and the enemy doesn't have a clue! As the music builds and swells, we see that what the Almighty has kept hidden for centuries, is about to be revealed and entrusted in the care of Indiana Jones. And, perhaps for the first time, he sees this is bigger than just him vs. the Nazi's, and that he's not alone in his fight, but that God has his back!
I love how the light shining through the headpiece, illuminates everything in the Map Room, including Indy, and appears to cut a path through darkness, and mystery!
My favorite shot, in the entire series, is the look of elation on Indiana Jones as this great, ancient secret is revealed! In this moment he probably knows the tide is turning for good, and everything is going to be all right!
The music has a beautiful reverance, mystery, and urgency to it, and is the most powerful use of the Ark theme, in this movie. Also those special effects are dazzling, and amazing to watch, regardless of if they may be relatively simple compared to other effects in this, and other movies. It is my favorite use of light, that the maestro of light, Speilberg uses out of all his movies. Even more than famous shots in E.T., and Close Encounters.
Yeah, I've given this scene a lot of reflection over the years. Still exhillirating to watch, no matter how many times I've seen it!
If I had a second choice it would possibly be "ride off into the sunset" scene from Last Crusade, or the Idol Temple Scene, or truck chase scene in Raiders. Umm.....also the streets of Cairo scene. You know what? I think I'm just gonna have to watch Raiders all over again!!!
Indiana Jones, you're on the right track, and you're not in this alone! Shine on you crazy diamond!