As much as I loved Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark was a far more visceral experience. Just hearing John Williams’ iconic theme makes me stand a little straighter, ready to burst into action if necessary.
Without exaggeration, I saw the film at least two dozen times in the theater, each time savoring the experience. I dressed as Indiana Jones for Halloween, a chubby eleven year old wearing a borrowed grey fedora (“It’s not the right color”), eyeliner smudged on as stubble and toting a leather bullwhip that my father bought in Mexico.
I never learned how to use the whip other than being able to crack it (Alas, no swinging over caverns or fighting of Nazis), but Indiana Jones’ innate coolness was pretty hard to not try and emulate. Now, three decades after seeing the film on opening day, it still remains one of the greatest action films of all time.
And I’m not the only one who felt that way. From 1982-1989, pre-teens Chris Strompolos, Eric Zala, and Jayson Lamb made a near shot-for-shot remake in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation.
Despite inferior sequels, Indiana Jones remains an indelible pop culture icon and as for Raiders?
It belongs in a museum.
As for Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation? Check it out after the jump.
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