Thursday, January 27, 2011

Hutchinson- Temple of Doom




Throughout Temple of Doom, we watch Indiana Jones go on a quest for the sacred rock that was stolen from the village. It is clear from the beginning that Jones isn't searching for the rocks to help the people of the village but to find "fortune and glory" for himself. It is his mantra, always he says he is after "fortune and glory." Being a scholar, he doesn't actually believe in the sacred powers of the stone that were described by the villagers. However, he does understand the historical value, and he hopes that finding the stone will secure the fame and wealth he's been craving.
Fortunately for the people of the village (and the audience for that matter), Indy starts to develop a conscience. His journey brings about a change in him that finally breaks through in the scene on the bridge. The creepy priest guy gives him a chance to save himself and Shorthand and Willie if he gives up the stones. Naturally, Indy says no, but it's still unclear whether that's because he wants the stones, or he wants to return them to the villagers. It isn't until Indy and the creepy priest are dangling perilously from the severed bridge that Indy's change comes to fruition.

The creepy priest tries to take the rock from Indy's satchel, but Indy's belief brings the rock to life, burning the priest and sending him to his immediate doom. Indy realized that the priest betrayed Shiva, and that he had fallen (quite literally) from the faith. He saw the path the priest's actions had taken. He saw that there was more death than life, and more suffering than prosperity. He freed the children from the mines. He knew that he was their only chance for salvation. He knew that the priest took the stone, it would never end. Indy was the savior, and this realization brought belief. The belief brought the power needed to save the village's children. No longer is it just about Indiana Jones and "fortune and glory," it is about the communities and the people.


1 comment:

  1. Excellent points in the last paragraph. You might also note that he leaves the stone in the village rather than taking it to a museum. Further, note that Indy backslides at the beginning of Raiders--He is out for fortune and glory again.

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