I just had a fairly dramatic realization about Raiders of the Lost Ark.

So, watch this.

Chuckle.

But here’s the question.  Why did Indy run forward?  Why the hell didn’t he just duck and run back?  I mean, look at this for a second.

rails

That thing is on rails.  Rails that are comfortably above Indy’s head.  Three steps towards it and he wouldn’t even have to duck.

Just saying.

Via @CalebHowe.

 

8 thoughts on “I just had a fairly dramatic realization about Raiders of the Lost Ark.”

  1. I would have to review the scene again, but I believe the giant ball ultimately blocks the exit. Your strategy, while initially sound, would leave him trapped inside the cave.

    1. Beat me. Yeah Moe, you’re not the first to notice that. I had to go over that scene with my Dad and he also didn’t notice the boulder closing the tomb.

  2. Ummm .. because running better served the plot?
    .
    Yes, it’s on rails .. at that point. I believe it was shown to not be on rails initially, green-screen’d in I think but I’d have to go watch it again.
    .
    The entire Indiana Jones series was an homage (and a loving one) to the Saturday Serials of the 1940s, in which this kind of plot device was .. not uncommon.
    .
    Shorter acat: Just go with it.
    .
    Mew

  3. If he just ducks, then how does he get out of the complex? That rock wedged in real solid, if memory serves, and I don’t remember a second exit……

  4. this is easy

    because the big boulder was designed to seal the cave and protect the treasure/kill anyone left alive. Hence, Indy had to get out before the cave was sealed. I got this as a kid way back when,and yes I saw it in theaters, of course back then they were called “the picture shows”. 🙂

    1. btw, I didn’t read any responses before I answered, that would taint the whole thing. I came to this on my own, as a man does, dammit.

  5. Because it is symbolic of the plot of the movie being on rails. Nothing Indy does in the movie actually matters much, the Nazis still got the ark and killed themselves by opening it.

Comments are closed.