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VISUAL LANGUAGE - Raiders of the Lost Ark

I first saw this film in 7th grade and it was then that I realized there was someone called a director. Fresh off the critically panned and commercial bomb of 1941 (I love that film!) the film told the tale of an archeologist and adventurer named Indiana Jones who is hired by the US government to find the Ark of the Covenant, before the Nazis do.

I remember the trailers on television “Indiana Jones, the new hero from the creators of JAWS and STAR WARS!”. The film blew my mind. Nominated for 9 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director, Spielberg would be robbed by the Academy.

This scene study is simple, yet very effective. Read a passage from the script and decide how you would block this one out. How many cuts ? What kind of coverage ? Then we’ll take a look at the scene, shot by shot.

The occupant of the smoke-shrouded corner table becomes
visible only as Indy reaches there: it is Emile Belloq.
He is drinking wine.

INDY
Belloq.

BELLOQ
Good evening, Dr. Jones.

INDY
I ought to kill you right now.

BELLOQ
It was not I who brought the girl
into this dirty business.

Indy knows it’s true; that’s what’s tearing him up.

BELLOQ
Sit down, please, before you fall
down. We can behave as civilized
people. I’m afraid it will be your
last opportunity.

Indy sits, glancing at the German Henchmen, who settle
nearby, just out of earshot.

INDY
Not a very private place for a murder.

BELLOQ
(looking around)
These Arabs will not interfere in
the white man’s business. They do
not care if we kill each other off.
(takes a sip of wine, refers to it)
Terribly difficult finding a decent
vintage here. You were quite vig-
orous in Shanghai. Unfortunately,
our friend the Wild Boar had taken
the precaution of making several
copies of the piece.

Indy registers this as he takes a drink. Belloq watches
him with disdainful amusement.

BELLOQ
How odd that it should end this way
for us, after so many…stimulating
encounters. I almost regret it.
Where shall I find a new adversary
so close to my own level?

INDY
Try the local sewer.

BELLOQ
I know you despise me. We always
hate in others that which we most
fear in ourselves. And you and I
are very much alike.

INDY
Now you’re getting nasty.

BELLOQ
We have always done the same kind of
work. Our methods have not differed
as much as you pretend. I am a sha-
dowy reflection of you. But it would
have taken only a nudge to make you
the same as me, to push you out of
the light.

There’s a certain amount of truth to this; the recognition
of it flickers across Indy’s bleary eyes. Belloq sees
it there.

BELLOQ
You know it to be true! How nice.
And how ironic the timing.

Belloq leans forward, eyes shining, voice suddenly different.

BELLOQ
Do you realize what the Ark is?
(very intense)
It’s a transmitter. A radio for
talking to God! And now it is
within my grasp.

INDY
What about your boss, Der Fuhrer?
I thought he was waiting to take
possession.

Belloq glances into the gloom at the German Henchmen.

BELLOQ
(quieter)
When the time is right. When I am
finished with it.

INDY
I hope your friends are patient.
Dangerous work, Belloq.

BELLOQ
Yes. Very. You may consider your-
self fortunate that your involve-
ment concludes here.

INDY
Tell me, did you get away with
the idol?

BELLOQ
(negative)
I was lucky to get away with my
life. The Hovitos proved quite
narrow-minded about the whole matter.

Indy takes a drink.

INDY
You know, if it’s God you want to
talk to, maybe I can arrange it.

BELLOQ
(smiles)
You have not changed. But, please,
do not reach for your weapon until
you are ready to die.

The front door of the bar slams open and all nine of
SALLAH’S CHILDREN scamper in and over to a surprised
Indy. Two of the smallest hop into his lap.

LITTLE SON
Uncle Indy, we have been looking
for you.

LITTLE DAUGHTER
Come home now, Uncle. Hurry!

Suddenly the Arab patrons of the bar take an intense in-
terest in the situation, shifting their weapons.

INDY
Yes. Yes, I’ll come now.

Indy stands up. The German Henchmen are poised. Belloq
eyes the Arab patrons and signals for the Henchmen to relax.

BELLOQ
Next time, Indiana Jones, it will take
more than children to save you.

The children usher Indy out.

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Now lets break it down.

Next time you’re out shooting, pay attention to different ways in which you can move the line and visually excite your audience. Two people talking can be much more exciting than back and forth reverses all day long. Think of the dialogue and how it can serve and motivate your shot selection.

“I hate that people think it’s wrong to say you’re inspired by Jaws or by Raiders Of The Lost Ark. You’re allowed to be.” - Steven Spielberg

© 2008 Cineobscure.