Paden
Member
?We have always done the same kind of work. Our methods have not differed as much as you pretend. I am a shadowy reflection of you. But it would have take only a nudge to make you the same as me, to push you out of the light.?
Rene Belloq?s assessment of Jones from Raiders has always fascinated me, in part because of Belloq?s accuracy. Prefacing these words with a statement about how he and Jones share the same ?religion?, archaeology, but have fallen from the true faith through their unorthodox and occasionally questionable methods, Belloq?s words come uncomfortably close to the truth about Indiana. Dr. Jones is driven in his quest for archaeological treasures and is willing to cut scientific corners, work with questionable persons (Lao Che, Barranca) and even resort to violence in order to obtain the valuables he seeks. Jones could easily cross the line, and become a mercenary like Belloq, but for the strength of his individual, unspoken code of honor. Jones will never cooperate with the furtherance of evil (the nazis), acts to defend the lives of innocents (the children in ToD), and even tries to save the life an enemy that betrayed him (Elsa Schneider). Jones certainly skirts the line between good and evil, but his internal loyalties always keep him on the side of light. It?s this duality, this inherent goodness shadowed by a hunger for treasure and a willingness to occasionally let the ends justify the means, that makes Indy the enduringly interesting character that he is. He?s far from perfect and can be swayed by dark passions, but ultimately can be relied on to do what is right. Personally, I prefer this kind of hero, as opposed to the unbelievable champion of good that is never tempted by darkness and never chooses a questionable path.
Rene Belloq?s assessment of Jones from Raiders has always fascinated me, in part because of Belloq?s accuracy. Prefacing these words with a statement about how he and Jones share the same ?religion?, archaeology, but have fallen from the true faith through their unorthodox and occasionally questionable methods, Belloq?s words come uncomfortably close to the truth about Indiana. Dr. Jones is driven in his quest for archaeological treasures and is willing to cut scientific corners, work with questionable persons (Lao Che, Barranca) and even resort to violence in order to obtain the valuables he seeks. Jones could easily cross the line, and become a mercenary like Belloq, but for the strength of his individual, unspoken code of honor. Jones will never cooperate with the furtherance of evil (the nazis), acts to defend the lives of innocents (the children in ToD), and even tries to save the life an enemy that betrayed him (Elsa Schneider). Jones certainly skirts the line between good and evil, but his internal loyalties always keep him on the side of light. It?s this duality, this inherent goodness shadowed by a hunger for treasure and a willingness to occasionally let the ends justify the means, that makes Indy the enduringly interesting character that he is. He?s far from perfect and can be swayed by dark passions, but ultimately can be relied on to do what is right. Personally, I prefer this kind of hero, as opposed to the unbelievable champion of good that is never tempted by darkness and never chooses a questionable path.
