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Film Opening Research #1 - Raiders of the Lost Ark

    "Raiders of the Lost Ark", starring Harrison Ford, is often considered one of the best films of all time, and this is in no small part due to its spectacular opening scene, which brings the viewer only a taste of the theme and acting style they will see throughout the rest of the movie.

    The opening scene begins with a group of explorers led by Indiana Jones walking through the jungle as the opening credits display themselves. The opening credits consist of stating the film studio, the producers and director, some of the major actors, and many of the other studio workers who played their part in making the movie possible.

    Some of the main images prioritized in the opening scene are those of exploration, betrayal, and bravery, which are also three of the movie's main themes:

    The theme of exploration is the basis for the movie, especially with Indiana Jones, the main character, exploring for a living. The film throws us right into the middle of it starting off with an incursion into a temple. Some of the images used to show this are the temple, the booby traps around it, and the various artifacts and ancient monoliths scattered around the land.

Jones finds the artifact after much struggle

    Another theme of betrayal is also very common in the movie, as Indiana Jones has had to deal with thieves and backstabbers very often in his life and does so in the movie as well. Two large betrayals occur in the opening immediately, as one of the travel guides attempts to kill Jones, fails to kill him, and flees. While another travel guide who makes it the farthest out of any other travel guide betrays Jones leaving him to die and taking the idol just after Jones takes the idol and triggers the numerous booby traps and alarms. The guide later is impaled out of his own arrogance and Jones recovers the artifact from his dead hands. These leave a very clear image of the type of betrayal Indiana Jones lives around.

uide betraying Indiana Jones by dropping a whip he used to escape

    Finally, there is a major theme of bravery and dedication in the movie. This goes without saying as someone would have to be exceptionally courageous and/or dedicated to pull off many of the feats pulled in this film. These traits are best exemplified by contrasting the ordinary guides who flee the scene after (rightfully) sensing danger, while Jones keeps going forward. Even the final betraying guide doesn't venture with Jones very far and follows far behind him as Jones continues into the temple.

Average guide fleeing for his life, contrasting with Indiana Jones who will walk forward as the guide runs off

    The genre of the film, adventure, is made very clear during the opening scene, which comprises exploration across unfamiliar territory and discovering previously unknown items and artifacts. Many strategies such as quick cutting and lots of action, movement, and glorious scenes showcasing never-before-scene places are utilized to make sure the film appeals to its primary audience of people who enjoy adventure movies. Technology is also utilized effectively throughout the introduction, as it was used to make real all the visible booby traps being triggered flying towards Mr. Jones, especially as he was escaping from the temple with the golden idol.

    Overall, "Raiders of the Lost Ark" was an exceptional film, but possibly would never have gained its star status without its amazing opening scene, which was very well-rounded overall. 

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