40 Facts About Raiders Of The Lost Ark

Concept and Development

Raiders of the Lost Ark is a film that has left an indelible mark on cinema. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about its creation and development.

1. Raiders of the Lost Ark was conceived by George Lucas, who wanted to create a film that would pay homage to the serials of the 1930s and 1940s. His childhood love of adventure films and pulp fiction heavily influenced the story.

2. The screenplay was written by Lawrence Kasdan, with significant input from George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. They incorporated elements of mythology and historical fiction, drawing inspiration from classic serials and pulp fiction.

Casting Choices

Casting the right actors was crucial to bringing the characters to life. Here are some interesting tidbits about the casting process.

3. Harrison Ford was cast as Indiana Jones, a role that would become iconic in cinema history. However, he was not the first choice for the role.

4. Tom Selleck was initially considered for the role of Indiana Jones, but he had to drop out due to his commitment to the TV series Magnum P.I.

Production Details

The production of Raiders of the Lost Ark involved meticulous planning and execution. Here are some behind-the-scenes facts.

5. Principal photography began on June 23, 1980, at the Port de la Pallice in La Rochelle, France. The crew had been preparing for a week before the first day of shooting.

6. The film's sets were meticulously designed to capture the essence of the 1930s. The German excavation site for the lost city of Tanis was filmed in Tunisia, while interior shots were completed at Elstree Studios in England.

Iconic Props and Scenes

Some props and scenes from the film have become iconic. Let's explore a few of them.

7. The Ark of the Covenant is central to the plot of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Its design was inspired by biblical descriptions and ancient artifacts.

8. Indiana Jones's costume was designed to be immediately recognizable in silhouette. His fedora hat and bullwhip have become symbols of adventure and exploration.

9. One of the most memorable scenes in the film is the boulder chase. Originally envisioned as a sixty-five-foot-wide boulder, it was downscaled to twenty-two feet and made of fiberglass.

10. The golden idol scene features a subtle effect where the idol's eyes appear to watch and follow Indy. This was achieved using an internal mechanism controlled by radio.

Challenges and Safety Concerns

Filming an action-adventure movie comes with its own set of challenges and safety concerns.

11. The Well of Souls sequence features over 2000 snakes, which Spielberg felt were not enough. He ordered 4500 more snakes from Denmark to achieve the horror described in the script.

12. The Well of Souls set was designed to be a pyramid dominated by three jackal statues over 35 feet tall. To ensure safety, actors were provided with anti-venom serum.

13. In one of the film's action sequences, Indy is knocked down into the path of an airplane's wheel and performs a backward somersault to avoid being crushed. Harrison Ford suffered a minor injury when his foot slipped in the sand.

Themes and Symbolism

Raiders of the Lost Ark is rich in themes and symbolism. Here are some key elements.

14. The film explores themes of good vs. evil, with the Nazis representing pure evil and Indy representing good. The belief that good will prevail and evil will be judged anchors the film.

15. The Ark of the Covenant is not just a superweapon but an object with implicit moral agency. At the climax of the film, God stands in judgment of the Nazis, leading to a horrific sequence where they are brutally murdered.

16. Raiders of the Lost Ark is a striking piece of cinematic mythmaking, feeling very true to its time and firmly anchored in Spielberg's sensibility. It is a black-and-white story of good versus evil.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

The film has had a significant cultural impact and has left a lasting legacy.

17. Raiders of the Lost Ark has influenced numerous films and media. It has also spawned a franchise with multiple sequels and spin-offs.

18. The film's reception history is mirrored in the film itself. The mysteries in the old books are seldom entirely solved, with Indy winning the adventure but the gaps remaining.

19. The film's world is one in which adventure begins in old books. Secrets hidden in dusty tomes control the fate of the world.

20. The film introduces enormous visual horror, particularly in the Catacombs scene. The set was designed to create a narrow, claustrophobic environment with skulls and rotting bodies.

Iconic Characters and Historical Setting

The characters and historical setting add depth to the narrative.

21. Indiana Jones and Marion Ravenwood are iconic characters in their own right. Indy's whip and fedora have become symbols of adventure.

22. The film is set in 1936, a time when the world was on the brink of World War II. This historical setting adds depth to the narrative.

23. The Nazi villains in the film are portrayed as one-dimensional evil characters. Rene Belloq, played by Paul Freeman, is a stand-in for Vichy France.

24. The Ark of the Covenant is depicted as an object with divine authority. Its power is not just physical but also moral, as it smites its enemies with lightning.

Cinematic Techniques and Special Effects

The film's cinematic techniques and special effects were groundbreaking for its time.

25. Raiders of the Lost Ark draws between light and darkness in its cinematic storytelling. The film's use of light and shadow creates striking images.

26. Harrison Ford performed most of his own stunts in the film, including running away from the boulder ten times. This added to the film's authenticity.

27. The special effects in the film were groundbreaking for its time. The idol's eyes moving via radio control and the snakes in the Well of Souls were just a few examples.

28. The sets were meticulously constructed to capture the essence of the 1930s. The German excavation site and Sallah's home were built to be as authentic as possible.

Memorable Scenes and Soundtrack

Several scenes and the soundtrack have become ingrained in popular culture.

29. The film features several iconic scenes, including the boulder chase, the idol scene, and the Well of Souls sequence. These scenes are often referenced or parodied in other films and media.

30. The soundtrack, composed by John Williams, is equally iconic. The theme music for Indiana Jones has become synonymous with adventure and exploration.

Marketing and Box Office Success

The film's marketing campaign and box office performance were impressive.

31. The marketing campaign for Raiders of the Lost Ark was extensive and innovative. The film's posters and trailers emphasized the action-packed adventure and the iconic characters.

32. Raiders of the Lost Ark was a commercial success, grossing over $389 million worldwide. Its success can be attributed to its well-crafted story, memorable characters, and groundbreaking special effects.

Cultural Significance and Timeless Appeal

The film's cultural significance and timeless appeal continue to captivate audiences.

33. Raiders of the Lost Ark has had a lasting impact on popular culture. It has influenced numerous films, TV shows, and media.

34. The film's legacy extends beyond its initial release. It has spawned multiple sequels and spin-offs, including Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

35. Despite being released over four decades ago, Raiders of the Lost Ark remains timeless. Its themes of good vs. evil, its memorable characters, and its groundbreaking special effects continue to captivate audiences.

36. The film's use of light and shadow creates striking images, emphasizing the battle between good and evil.

37. The film's world is one in which adventure begins in old books. Secrets hidden in dusty tomes control the fate of the world.

38. The film introduces enormous visual horror, particularly in the Catacombs scene. The set was designed to create a narrow, claustrophobic environment with skulls and rotting bodies.

39. The film's reception history is mirrored in the film itself. The mysteries in the old books are seldom entirely solved, with Indy winning the adventure but the gaps remaining.

40. Raiders of the Lost Ark is a striking piece of cinematic mythmaking, feeling very true to its time and firmly anchored in Spielberg's sensibility. It is a black-and-white story of good versus evil.

Timeless Adventure and Cultural Impact

Raiders of the Lost Ark remains a cinematic gem. Its blend of adventure, history, and mythology has captivated audiences for over four decades. From Harrison Ford's iconic portrayal of Indiana Jones to the film's groundbreaking special effects, every element contributes to its lasting appeal. The boulder chase, idol scene, and Well of Souls sequence are unforgettable moments that have influenced countless films and media. The film's themes of good vs. evil and its rich visual style continue to resonate, making it a timeless classic. Its success at the box office and enduring cultural significance prove its impact on the world of cinema. Raiders of the Lost Ark isn't just a movie; it's a piece of cinematic history that will be cherished for generations.