Exclusive: Indiana Jones 5 Unveils Jaw-Dropping Nod to Raiders of the Lost Ark – Director Spills All!
Indiana Jones 5's Director reveals a poignant callback to Raiders of the Lost Ark, creating a masterful ending for Marion that resonates deeply with fans
Warning! Major spoilers ahead for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
James Mangold, the director of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, reveals the movie's poignant reference to a scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark. Harrison Ford, who originally portrayed the iconic character in Steven Spielberg's 1981 masterpiece, reprises his role for one final adventure as he embarks on a quest for Archimedes' Antikythera. Following a thrilling climax, during which Indy and his companions use the ancient device to journey 2000 years into the past, Ford's character returns to 1969 and reconciles with Karen Allen's Marion. In a touching tribute to their past, the two characters recreate their memorable "where doesn't it hurt?" kissing moment from Raiders of the Lost Ark.
During a recent interview with THR, Mangold discussed the origins of the Raiders of the Lost Ark reference in the ending of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Mangold explains that despite Allen's short duration on set, both she and Ford immediately recaptured their old chemistry. Below is Mangold's complete comment:
"Yeah, Jez and John Henry [Butterworth] were the ones who came up with that brilliant idea. The concept of bringing Marion back at the end was conceived fairly early on, and we actually filmed it quite early in production while shooting Karen's scenes in the second or third month. The impact of her entrance was truly remarkable."
Why Indiana Jones 5's Marion Ending Works So Well
It was more impactful when I had a complete understanding of the entire process leading up to that scene, and witnessing the perfect harmony between those two characters. However, Karen only joined the set for two days. Yet, she seamlessly integrated herself into the role and instantly created a palpable chemistry with Harrison. Clearly, this connection had been nurtured over many years.
When audiences catch up with Indy in 1969, the majority of the film unfolds in this era. He no longer embodies the same heroic qualities as in his past adventures. Aging considerably, he now resides solo in a bustling metropolis, frequently admonishing youngsters to lower their music volume, thereby highlighting his status as a relic from a bygone time. The viewer swiftly comprehends that he is presently going through a divorce with Marion. However, it isn't until later in the movie that we discover the heart-wrenching reason behind their marriage dissolution – the tragic loss of their son, Mutt, who enlisted in the Vietnam War.
Indy's character arc in the film revolves around releasing his guilt over Mutt's death and reestablishing connections with his loved ones. He forms a new family with Helena, portrayed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge. However, finding solace with Marion and embarking on a healing journey together completes the missing piece. Allen herself recently expressed her satisfaction with the brief scene, highlighting the portrayal of Marion's grief and the deeper meaning conveyed in the small interaction between her and Indy.
The inclusion of the memorable "where doesn't it hurt?" scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny's conclusion serves to enhance the overall ending. It not only pays homage to the film that initiated the franchise but also resonates with the characters' personal experiences with grief. Despite enduring significant challenges since the events of the first film, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny successfully provides both Marion and Indy with a poignant and appropriate farewell.
Source: THR
