Spielberg’s long takes served another purpose - it allowed him to shoot faster, saving time and money. A lot of those scenes shot in a traditional manner would have required 3 or more different set ups. He was determined to make Raiders come in under budget and on schedule, which he did. Spielberg’s greatest feat though is how he ends Raiders, the penultimate scene. Indiana isn’t fighting the bad guy or racing the clock to save the day - he’s helplessly tied to a pole with his girlfriend while all hell breaks loose around them. The action hero with no action. And it works. Genius.
Another reason for the long take is so there's no other coverage to cut to. If the studio wants to monkey with the cut, they can't, without losing essential story information (not that this has ever been a problem for Spielberg--he's always had final cut).
@@bantamkid5045 I mean it IS penultimate when you consider there's the Ark reveal/kill nazis scene and then afterwards the conclusion back in the safety of society where Indy and marion leave for a drink and the ark is locked away. It's the scene before the last scene with the resolution.
The adventure tale is a simple formula that was done hundreds of times before, and hundreds of times since. Raiders stands above them all because of the director and his choices. There may be reasons it didn't win Oscar for Best Film that year, but it is criminal that he didn't get Best Director.
I think his rep takes a bit of a hit because his work is seen as too mainstream or pop. That ignores Spielberg's mastery of his craft and that he had a big hand in defining what mainstream is. As Lawrence said, many other directors are known for something distinct. While it's unfair to pigeonhole most of them (other than Wes Anderson) as being stuck in that rut (Scorcese has done non-mobster movies), they are known for something other than just their skill.
Spielberg's got a supreme visual imagination for storytelling. As I recall, Chariots of Fire swept the Oscars for that year, which is a shame, because it's mostly a talkie, dialogue driven.
Is there a word for the idea that a great movie tells the whole story through imagery and music even if all dialogue were removed? Because that's my "film theory"
Just like the original Star Wars, George Lucas said it can be watched like a silent film, maybe that's why dialogue isn't his strenght, he's more visual and cares about action: "faster, more intense".
Curiously I rewatched Schindler's List the other week, after rewatching Jaws and E. T, imagine telling people in the 70s and 80s that the man who made those films, was going to make a dark, gritty and moving drama, based on a true story set during the Holocaust, and that he would win Oscars for it, including best director and best picture (he deserved it before imo).
@@jesustovar2549 That's only surprising to casual film viewers, the rest of us know a good director doesn't mess up, he only goes a bit to a niche corner of the genres/art. The guy is one of THE greatest and most versatile directors in film history, hands down.
I love this movie and saw it when it came out when I was in college. But, as analyized in The Big Bang Theory, if Indy were not there, the results would have been exactly the same. Not totally sure I agree with their conclusions, but that's what they came up with.
I think what Spielberg does THE BEST probably out of any director, maybe ever, is Blocking! All those examples of people entering and leaving the frame, or how long take contains wide shot, medium and often even close ups, all while characters are moving around the scene - he’s the best at it! That’s why we often don’t even notice something was a long take, because it’s all so dynamic and not too flashy, motivated, and feels real and believable.
For me, Raiders is like the most perfect rollercoaster ride that you could devise, with every single twist and turn and loop building and enhancing the excitement and when you get off the ride, you believe it is the best ride you've ever been on and immediately get back on to ride again. It is a Swiss watch of construction, a genius manipulation of emotions and completely satisfying in every single moment. It may not be the "best' film of all time, but I think it may be the most perfectly constructed film of all time.
Well written, well directed. Wish studios today stopped pandering to audiences, trying to overdo prequels with excessive CGI, and instead focus on what makes a good story.
Thank you for this. You never think of Indy as having desires. You more think of him as just Hero X surviving and advancing through Action Y. But the lighting and coloring tell a different and subtle story about getting what you wish for and learning not to let it destroy you.
Spielberg is a genius! Whether he's making action-adventure movies or animated TV shows, his work is sheer brilliance. He just has a natural flair for storytelling. Also, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was really where the franchise should've stopped. I didn't see Dial of Destiny, but it's just as well, since it flopped. I'd only seen the first Jaws movie. I was scared, at first, until my mother had pointed out that the shark wasn't real. I did, however, appreciate the storytelling and the dialogue, especially the snide humor. E.T. was very heartwarming. In fact, during the 90s, his movies were often spoofed in his cartoon series, such as Tiny Toon Adventures and Animaniacs. He'd often been caricatured in these shows, too, usually providing his own voice. Thanks for the video!
Good work Archer. You're right. Steven's approach is simple, yet with a masters eye. I had the privilege of working with him on Lincoln (everyday for three months in Richmond) and saw his process at first hand. I never in a million years thought I would get to know him on a first name basis. But, you know, dreams do come true in the most bizarre ways. I should write a book on the experience - so many stories and examples. I made a documentary of my time on it - just so I'd remember all the stories. It's too personal to post on TH-cam, but in producing it, it sealed my memory of my time with him. Maybe one day, I'll post it....
Raiders is probably the most outright entertaining movie I’ve ever seen. Likely not the overall best movie I’ve watched, but so fun and enjoyable that it’s easily one of my favorites. Pure escapism done at the highest level.
I can still remember seeing Raiders for the first time and just being blown away. Yes, there were things from so many movies that had gone before, but they were so well done. I credit the director, the casting, the acting, the writing and ... something more. It became more that its components. It was fun.
The sfx for the bathroom scene from *"Contact",* is explained on the *"Corridor Crew"* youtube channel. (They also do videos explaining stunts, and animation...also... they make their own fx vids as well)
Hands down my favorite movie of all-time. Brilliant from beginning to end and without fail the only movie that makes me feel like a kid again every single time I watch it. Raiders is the literal epitome of why we go to the movies.
Did anyone else feel like wanting to watch an Indiana Jones marathon after watching this video? Cause I do, I have seen them many times (my second favorite franchise after Star Wars), but I never get tired of them, watching them with all this cinematic knowledge adds much more to the experience, Steven Spielberg is probably my favorite director and one of my big inspirations since I was a kid, as a I once heard: "nobody moves the camera like Spielberg."
That chase scene in Children of Men is fantastic. The first time I watched it I had to rewatch it immediately and realized it was a long shot that made the action and tension just escalate and keep rising. A brilliant shot that made the entire movie.
12:17 OMG!!! The fact that Indie has found the map room before the germans and yet someome wrote ''NICHT STÖREN'' (Do Not Disturb IN GERMAN!!) on the miniature is pretty hilarious.🤣
This film made such an impression on my 8 year-old soul, that it forever changed my life's direction. My focus changed from cartoons and fantasy to history and science. Some 40 years later, I am a Professional Cartographer mapping archelogy sites all over the globe. I can pin-point the scene and the line in Raiders that ignited my life's work. "Dr. Jones, Professor of archeology, expert on the occult, and how does one say it? Obtainer of rare antiquities."
Raiders is the best movie I loved from Spielberg. Any number of times watching the film, it is always keeps us entertaining. Good movie to watch with family
I have loved movies from my earliest days, from The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad to Raiders of the Lost Ark. It may be the best, maybe one of the best but it is one that is eternally enjoyable. The movie was a wonderful collection of a great story, locations and most of all, actors who elevated their characters to another level. From the opening scene to the snakes, the Nazi airplane to the ending, it was, no, IS a masterpiece of movie/story making.
I think one of the greatest attributes of Raiders is the depth of so many scenes. All of the desert scenes have dozens and dozens of extras in the far background perfectly framed to add tons of visual depth to the scenes.
excellent video. I've enjoyed many of Spielberg's movies, but didn't appreciate his creativity, pacing and numerous techniques. thanks for making it clear.
As a kid in the 70’s and of course a teen in the 80’s, Spielberg was formative in many ways for me. One of these ways was the setting of « the what makes a movie good » bar really high!
I love all 3 original Indy movies (Raiders, Temple of doom and the last crusade) and most of Steven Spielberg's other work but my favorite has to be Empire of the Sun. It's an underrated masterpiece.
Spielberg is one of, if not the greatest director in the history of cinema. He can make a great movie, regardless of the genre. Other great directors in history seemed to nave a niche - John Huston had westerns. Alfred Hitchcock had the film noir. CB De Mille had the large, overblown epics. Spielberg can move seemlessly through any genre from Jaws to Saving Private Ryan to the Color Purple to Schindler’s List to E.T. To Raiders of the Lost Ark. His creativity, attention to detail and sense of story telling is unmatched. Those of us who have grown up watching his films have been blessed with the opportunity to become immersed in wonder as the stories unfold before our eyes.
Ironically I was formulating a similar response in my head when I saw your post. Spielberg was the sorceror supreme of cinema magic, and sits at the top because of the sheer vastness of the broad appeal he's met. Whereas with other directors you can expect a good thriller, a good crime drama, a good western, etc. With Spielberg you could just expect a good MOVIE, with a track record that was virtually untarnished.
Excellent analysis. His blocking is second to none I think Spielberg is at his best when he’s coming off of a setback. Raiders after 1941. Jurassic Park after Hook. When he has a point to prove, there is no one who can touch him
Excellent breakdown and description of a master's work. Never noticed certain details like blue light and gold light meaning different things. Love that this is so entertaining yet gives lots of valuable information that other aspiring directors/writers/cinematographers can use!
I recently learned that he used yellow throughout Jaws as a cautionary warning (Chrissie Watkins' purse, Alex Kitner's raft, Mrs. Kitner's hat, dog owner's shirt, Hooper's flashlight, the barrels, etc.)
I love everything Spielberg has done up to AI. Afterward…..not so much. It may be cinematic heresy to say this, but my all time favourite Spielberg movie is: 1941. Indy (1-3 Only!), Jaws, CEOTTK, Schindler’s List, Sugarland Express, SPR, and The Color Purple (should’ve won an Oscar for that one too!), and E.T. are testaments to great filmmaking, but I absolutely LOVE 1941! I know it virtually by heart.
I always appreciate that he made so many movies that I enjoyed with my family. He implies adult themes, like I'm sure Indy and Marion hooked up on the boat during the course of the story, but it wasn't necessary to show. He got the idea across without anything awkward happening. A decent fade to black is all you need before jumping to the next scene.
You repeatedly use the word "prolifec" referencing Director Steven Spielberg, which means merely that he made many movies. I'm pretty sure by context you intended to convey much more. Is there a word meaning both prolific & genius? Thank you for your insightful documentary, it helped me appreciate one of my favorite pictures even more.
Contact. They filmed the girl running. then they put a green screen on the mirror and projected the footage of the girl running. So, what you're actually seeing is a static shot of a green screen, then it pulls back just as the girl comes into frame to open the cabinet
I always love how this film shows the greatness of tight story telling. We are so hooked, we do not even realize that Indy's part in this movie is completely ... irrelevant. Everything would have happened the way it did with or without him. But boy is it great to tag a long.
I think the important distinction alluded to here regarding the long takes is that Spielberg uses them strictly as a storytelling tool rather than as a gimmick.
The first scene of the interior of the Battlestar Galactica where Adama is reviewing his proposed speech while walking through the ship was all done in one take.
@11:03 I don't know if there's anything to this, but there's something amusingly topsy-turvy about the 'snakes' setup and payoff. The introductory line - basically pure exposition - is a scream of rage at a threat that's not even present. Then when he's actually faced with them he sounds almost wearily resigned to it. You can imagine a first draft version of that where "I hate snakes, I hate 'em" is stated plainly and "snakes! why'd it have to be snakes!?" is yelled in terror, but we get the opposite. To overanalyse for a second, maybe that tells us something about Indy being an emotional man who's able to set that aside to deal calmly with the danger he constantly finds himself in. Orrr maybe it's just funny to see a line read in a surprising way.
He was taken by complete surprise the first time. The second time he saw them from a distance and could at least brace himself for the danger. That's how I'm taking it, at least.
Jaws and Raiders have been and will be some of my absolute favorites, but one I think that very much goes under the radar for Spielberg is Empire of the Sun. It very much feels like a clash between the child-like wonder of something like E.T. or the Goonies, against very serious and very real historical events, like Schindler's List or Saving Private Ryan (coincidentally or not, all concerning World War II). It's a great odyssey across set pieces that are incredibly varied, feeling something like a post-apocalyptic wasteland by the end.
Thank you for another beautiful upload!💗 Great analysis of Spielberg's genius. However, my favourite Spielberg movie is another Indiana Jones - The Last Crusade which excels and is above Raiders in almost every respect, every moviemaking parametre, despite general public's opinion. Shindler's List is also (maybe) a better movie. Two of my less likely favourites are The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn - 2011 and the Hook - 1991. But objectively, apart from one's dislike of certain genres (like spy movies imo) there is no really bad Spielberg movie.
3:27 I can't recall if I saw that shot explained anywhere... and this does not explain it, but you can tell the hand that appears on frame at 3:29 from the bottom right corner of the screen doesn't coincide with how the mirrored one moves; take a look at the index finger in the mirror almost totally contracted while the one reaching the doorknob appears partially extended ^^ Oh! And it has to be The Goonies and I'm totally biased but you asked for favourite Love the content btw Salu2
Correct. The mirror is not a mirror, it is a bluescreen. They projected another take on the "mirror" from the opposite angle. th-cam.com/video/HQRu9cz5L9E/w-d-xo.html
The secret being relayed here is this: Filmmaking isn't about special effects or budget. It isn't about high handed moralizing or shaky cam shots or drone wide shots or a lot of silliness. Filmmaking is about understanding that every second of your film must serve the story. If the audience sees something there had better be a reason. If they hear something, there had better be a reason. You are having a conversation with your audience. You must convey the information you need them to have and hold back what you don't want them to know so that when your characters and your setting and your actions scenes and dialogue show them that information, they will be glad to have it. Each sequence is a seduction. You must maintain the romance from sequence to sequence letting your audience fain small victories but keeping the meat of the thing visible but just out of reach. Then, when they aren't paying attention to how you are doing it, you tell them a great story and let that romance come into full bloom just as that story develops. Action needs more scenes and less sequels. Romance needs more sequels and less scenes. Thrillers need mystery more than comedy and horror needs a monster more than a hero. But every story needs all these things. Things happen in scenes and characters react to them in sequels. Tension, mystery, conflict, comedy, love, death, sex and horror. The elements of a good story are in our bones. We just need to get out of our own way to tell them.
I was telling this to my wife years ago about why I love Spielburg. He just puts the camera down and lets you watch. He doesn't get crazy and doesn't draw attention to the filmmaking. You're just there. Spielburg makes MOVIES.
I love the moment when he gets hit by the mirror, and we cut to the ship to hear his scream ( 3:54 ). This is reflected in the Holy Grail movie during the chase in the circus train at the beginning of the film, when he falls into the snake pit and we cut to the train and hear his scream.
CONTACT SHOT - Looks like the camera is using a longer lens to get a tighter shot on the mirror's image. As the girl comes up to the medicine cabinet you can see the camera move camera left to adjust for the end of the shot as her arm reaches across the lens and her face towards the camera (towards the cabinet knob) to get the final punch of the shot. That's how they get the match with her arm reflected in the mirror -- cool shot
"Accidentally" is a misleading title; I believe Spielberg said he was 'more prepared for this movie than any other,' as he was terrified by the failure of '1941.'
A simple artist, for the simple masses. Spielberg doesn’t take risks, doesn’t know what it’s like to take a risk. Fine filmmaker, with fine films, doesn’t deserve to be worshipped.
this single shot that got locked intodifferent composed images further developing the action is a style kurosawa used and which is extremly well excecuted over star trek voyager.
That shot in Contact blew my mind. Did you notice that as Ellie opens the medicine cabinet, the mirror is flat, but as the door swings closed, the mirror has a beveled edge? I think this was done deliberately. It represents a break in Ellie's reality. The time before her father died, and the time after. In the book it is even more clear. Before Ellie's father died she had a loving and supportive man in her life, and after she loses this. The mirror changed to represent this shift in her reality. In the book her mother remarries a collage professor who believes that women have no place in acidemia. The Drumlin character in the movie is a combination of several characters in the book, but the main one is her stepfather.
Raiders is still my favorite Spielberg film. For all the reasons you brought up and more. What I love most is the character development of Indy himself. He could easily have been a one-dimensional hero we saw from the serials that inspired the genesis of Raiders. But they desceptively gave him something much more than the "perfect hero." He really can't fight that well, his boxing is amateurish and intentionally made so by the actor and director. He only ever "wins" fights or combat by "cheating" or awareness of some other outside information and luck like the propellors in the plane fight. Or saved by random people who happen to hate the nazis enough to take a risk hiding the truck to make them look bad. He is a middling archaeologist as well. He fails at getting the idol. Others have more resources and even better skills than he does. They don't hire allies that end up betraying them like he does. As a teacher, he also doesn't seem that great. He fumbles through his lectures a bit and forgets to tell them about the assignments they need due until right as the bell goes off. Like all of us, he fails at relationships with his mentor, fails with lovers. Fails, fails, fails. He has confidence but it is almost misquided confidence because he is always outclassed, outmaneuvered, and at a disadvantage. He has weaknesses and dumb phobias, but we can relate to a phobia about snakes. He can't even bluff Beloch with the rpg pretending he'd blow up the ark, so then he fails a *2nd* time at rescuing Marion. He's captured in the end and only saved by getting a spooky feeling he at first failed to appreciate when he started the whole journey. Indiana is all of us. A unique approach!
It is because of George Lucas that these movies are so well regarded, and not because of Spielberg, even if he's one of my fav directors ever thats just not a good reason to say he made a "Classic" since it was the other guy who literally created it.
@@robertpaterson5477 he didn't "help" develop the story 😂 he literally is the creator of the story, all characters & setting. Inform youself before making stupid assumptions atleast. Embarrassing
@@thunderboltproductionsshpk no he isn't. Lucas, Spielberg and Kasdan developed it together, Kasdan wrote the script. Lucas wrote Star Wars. He didn't write Raiders. Spielberg is the master behind the film, not Lucas.
@@robertpaterson5477 "The series was created by George Lucas. The first four films were only directed by Steven Spielberg, who worked closely with Lucas during their production." LucasFilm 😂 just go back to sleep and cut the BS.
Fun side fact, Marcus Brody and his "museum" were based on the real life museum at the U of Chicago. It is filled with valuable and rare artifacts.... largely stolen in the 20s and 30s, though at the time, it was considered "saving"
14:30 I'm sure these shots were used to further that point. Blue sky prominent while he's fighting and hiding in the pipe, blue light on the snakes, a warm gold hue when he's with Marion in the bar
Lovely breakdown of one of the greatest adventure movies made to date. Did Spielberg have a DoP on Raiders as well, or he did it all himself? If he did, then he or she should have a large chunk off praise as well.
Just went to a THEATER to watch RAIDERS of the LOST ARK.... Full house. Remember GOOD movies - just telling great stories with out the garbage we have now.
Spielberg is the kind of director who reaches into the muck and pulls out a diamond. He’s made some classic films and what I argue is the best film ever made, Schindler’s List.
![[#2024MAMA] ROSÉ (로제), Bruno Mars - APT. | Mnet 241122 방송](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/dgGqD28J6aQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Spielberg’s long takes served another purpose - it allowed him to shoot faster, saving time and money. A lot of those scenes shot in a traditional manner would have required 3 or more different set ups. He was determined to make Raiders come in under budget and on schedule, which he did. Spielberg’s greatest feat though is how he ends Raiders, the penultimate scene. Indiana isn’t fighting the bad guy or racing the clock to save the day - he’s helplessly tied to a pole with his girlfriend while all hell breaks loose around them. The action hero with no action. And it works. Genius.
Another reason for the long take is so there's no other coverage to cut to. If the studio wants to monkey with the cut, they can't, without losing essential story information (not that this has ever been a problem for Spielberg--he's always had final cut).
You might want to look up the actual definition of "penultimate."
@@bantamkid5045 I mean it IS penultimate when you consider there's the Ark reveal/kill nazis scene and then afterwards the conclusion back in the safety of society where Indy and marion leave for a drink and the ark is locked away. It's the scene before the last scene with the resolution.
@@eji replyguys getting BTFO is one reason i come here
@@eji And a tip of the hat to you Miss, for you are absolutely correct!
Some times being a self appointed word nazi doesn't go well for me.
The adventure tale is a simple formula that was done hundreds of times before, and hundreds of times since. Raiders stands above them all because of the director and his choices. There may be reasons it didn't win Oscar for Best Film that year, but it is criminal that he didn't get Best Director.
I think his rep takes a bit of a hit because his work is seen as too mainstream or pop. That ignores Spielberg's mastery of his craft and that he had a big hand in defining what mainstream is.
As Lawrence said, many other directors are known for something distinct. While it's unfair to pigeonhole most of them (other than Wes Anderson) as being stuck in that rut (Scorcese has done non-mobster movies), they are known for something other than just their skill.
Spielberg's got a supreme visual imagination for storytelling. As I recall, Chariots of Fire swept the Oscars for that year, which is a shame, because it's mostly a talkie, dialogue driven.
Amy Farrah Fowler ruined this movie for me.
You can watch this film with no sound and still know the whole story, the images tell so much.
Bingo. I started doing that just a few years ago. Eliminating score music also makes you focus on the different elements.
Is there a word for the idea that a great movie tells the whole story through imagery and music even if all dialogue were removed?
Because that's my "film theory"
Just like the original Star Wars, George Lucas said it can be watched like a silent film, maybe that's why dialogue isn't his strenght, he's more visual and cares about action: "faster, more intense".
@@bigol9223 Imagory - just made it up
I think Steven Soderbergh has created a version where he does just that.
He has a lot of range, from a goody kid movie to a realistic war one. Realistic enough to make soldiers cry.
And sailors
Curiously I rewatched Schindler's List the other week, after rewatching Jaws and E. T, imagine telling people in the 70s and 80s that the man who made those films, was going to make a dark, gritty and moving drama, based on a true story set during the Holocaust, and that he would win Oscars for it, including best director and best picture (he deserved it before imo).
@@jesustovar2549 That's only surprising to casual film viewers, the rest of us know a good director doesn't mess up, he only goes a bit to a niche corner of the genres/art. The guy is one of THE greatest and most versatile directors in film history, hands down.
If they're american soldiers, sure. Saving private ryan is manipulative with how it portrays the german troops.
@@Bone237 I don't see many people outside the US watching Stephen Spielberg movies if I'm being fr
I love this movie and saw it when it came out when I was in college. But, as analyized in The Big Bang Theory, if Indy were not there, the results would have been exactly the same. Not totally sure I agree with their conclusions, but that's what they came up with.
I think what Spielberg does THE BEST probably out of any director, maybe ever, is Blocking!
All those examples of people entering and leaving the frame, or how long take contains wide shot, medium and often even close ups, all while characters are moving around the scene - he’s the best at it!
That’s why we often don’t even notice something was a long take, because it’s all so dynamic and not too flashy, motivated, and feels real and believable.
Love these movie commentary channels, subbed!
Beautiful video
For me, Raiders is like the most perfect rollercoaster ride that you could devise, with every single twist and turn and loop building and enhancing the excitement and when you get off the ride, you believe it is the best ride you've ever been on and immediately get back on to ride again. It is a Swiss watch of construction, a genius manipulation of emotions and completely satisfying in every single moment. It may not be the "best' film of all time, but I think it may be the most perfectly constructed film of all time.
Well written, well directed. Wish studios today stopped pandering to audiences, trying to overdo prequels with excessive CGI, and instead focus on what makes a good story.
The mouse studio locked up good story telling and imagination in a nameless box in a giant nameless warehouse.
ROTLA and the empire strikes back were worn out from how much id rewind them and watch them back as a kid. thanks for this video
Thank you for this. You never think of Indy as having desires. You more think of him as just Hero X surviving and advancing through Action Y. But the lighting and coloring tell a different and subtle story about getting what you wish for and learning not to let it destroy you.
Great analysis. Subbed.
Spielberg is a genius! Whether he's making action-adventure movies or animated TV shows, his work is sheer brilliance. He just has a natural flair for storytelling. Also, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was really where the franchise should've stopped. I didn't see Dial of Destiny, but it's just as well, since it flopped. I'd only seen the first Jaws movie. I was scared, at first, until my mother had pointed out that the shark wasn't real. I did, however, appreciate the storytelling and the dialogue, especially the snide humor. E.T. was very heartwarming. In fact, during the 90s, his movies were often spoofed in his cartoon series, such as Tiny Toon Adventures and Animaniacs. He'd often been caricatured in these shows, too, usually providing his own voice. Thanks for the video!
Good work Archer. You're right. Steven's approach is simple, yet with a masters eye. I had the privilege of working with him on Lincoln (everyday for three months in Richmond) and saw his process at first hand. I never in a million years thought I would get to know him on a first name basis. But, you know, dreams do come true in the most bizarre ways. I should write a book on the experience - so many stories and examples. I made a documentary of my time on it - just so I'd remember all the stories. It's too personal to post on TH-cam, but in producing it, it sealed my memory of my time with him. Maybe one day, I'll post it....
Wow, you're lucky.
wow, that must've been a great experience (jealous)
If you do, we'll be waiting. Even a prose memoir would be fascinating.
That's wonderful. It's amazing the places life can take us. I'm so glad you documented this special moment in time.
Cool! When was that?
This video made me watch Raiders of the Lost Ark for the first time. Absolutely loved it, I'm sorry I missed out on it as a kid.
Better late than never. I had the fortune to see it without preconceptions, and the result was a shock to the system.
Apology accepted. You are now obliged to watch it every couple of years.
Raiders is probably the most outright entertaining movie I’ve ever seen. Likely not the overall best movie I’ve watched, but so fun and enjoyable that it’s easily one of my favorites. Pure escapism done at the highest level.
I can still remember seeing Raiders for the first time and just being blown away. Yes, there were things from so many movies that had gone before, but they were so well done. I credit the director, the casting, the acting, the writing and ... something more. It became more that its components. It was fun.
This video makes me wish I knew more about movie making because I’d actually love the movies I love even more than I do.
Long story short: NO CUTS = INSTANT CLASSIC
The sfx for the bathroom scene from *"Contact",* is explained on the *"Corridor Crew"* youtube channel.
(They also do videos explaining stunts, and animation...also... they make their own fx vids as well)
God Damnit Archer, you did it again!
Hands down my favorite movie of all-time. Brilliant from beginning to end and without fail the only movie that makes me feel like a kid again every single time I watch it. Raiders is the literal epitome of why we go to the movies.
Love your video essays boss
Where was the accidental part of this?
Did anyone else feel like wanting to watch an Indiana Jones marathon after watching this video? Cause I do, I have seen them many times (my second favorite franchise after Star Wars), but I never get tired of them, watching them with all this cinematic knowledge adds much more to the experience, Steven Spielberg is probably my favorite director and one of my big inspirations since I was a kid, as a I once heard: "nobody moves the camera like Spielberg."
I made this video after managing to catch Raiders in the cinema, was a great time felt like I was in 1981
Yes! Hunting for my dvds right now.
And Spielberg knows WHEN and HOW to move the camera. His camera moves are always story and character motivated.
As long as it’s just the OG trilogy, and not the absolute travesties he made in the last decade or two
@ArcherGreen You also made it after watching some other youtubers.
That chase scene in Children of Men is fantastic. The first time I watched it I had to rewatch it immediately and realized it was a long shot that made the action and tension just escalate and keep rising. A brilliant shot that made the entire movie.
Thanks for sharing.
Another banger video, sir. Thanks for these. I end up sharing just about every one of yours I watch.
12:17 OMG!!! The fact that Indie has found the map room before the germans and yet someome wrote ''NICHT STÖREN'' (Do Not Disturb IN GERMAN!!) on the miniature is pretty hilarious.🤣
Damn, now I gotta go watch Indiana Jones again.
My generation totally didn't care about this movie.
This film made such an impression on my 8 year-old soul, that it forever changed my life's direction. My focus changed from cartoons and fantasy to history and science. Some 40 years later, I am a Professional Cartographer mapping archelogy sites all over the globe. I can pin-point the scene and the line in Raiders that ignited my life's work. "Dr. Jones, Professor of archeology, expert on the occult, and how does one say it? Obtainer of rare antiquities."
Raiders is the best movie I loved from Spielberg. Any number of times watching the film, it is always keeps us entertaining. Good movie to watch with family
Love the pacing of this movie. I was always interested always engaged. Reminds me of Casablanca and gorki Park in that.
I was 12 when this movie came out and I am so thankful to have experienced it at that age. These movies were amazing.
everyframeapaintingalreadysaidit.mp4
I have loved movies from my earliest days, from The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad to Raiders of the Lost Ark.
It may be the best, maybe one of the best but it is one that is eternally enjoyable. The movie was a wonderful collection of a great story, locations and most of all, actors who elevated their characters to another level. From the opening scene to the snakes, the Nazi airplane to the ending, it was, no, IS a masterpiece of movie/story making.
Great anlysis! Thank you.
I think one of the greatest attributes of Raiders is the depth of so many scenes. All of the desert scenes have dozens and dozens of extras in the far background perfectly framed to add tons of visual depth to the scenes.
excellent video. I've enjoyed many of Spielberg's movies, but didn't appreciate his creativity, pacing and numerous techniques. thanks for making it clear.
The greatest movie of all time, right here!
The 4th installment of IJ really showed Spielberg's directorial skills))))
Spielberg's use of light is best demonstrated in his film The Terminal.
THE shot from Contact so cool.
As a kid in the 70’s and of course a teen in the 80’s, Spielberg was formative in many ways for me. One of these ways was the setting of « the what makes a movie good » bar really high!
The older I get, the more I appreciate Jaws. Raiders may still be my favorite, though.
I was with a bunch of Gen Z kids (early 20's) and Jaws came on TV. They'd never seen it before. They were hooked. Good film making is timeless.
My god you did watch Every frame a painting a lot didn’t you? Especially that video about the Spielberg oner… 😂😂😂
I love all 3 original Indy movies (Raiders, Temple of doom and the last crusade) and most of Steven Spielberg's other work but my favorite has to be Empire of the Sun. It's an underrated masterpiece.
Genius makes the incredibly complicated seem incredibly simple.
Fascinating! Indiana Jones isn't my thing at all, but I appreciate the movie magic it used
My favorite "Spielberg" movie is when he plays the Cook County Assessor in "The Blues Brothers"
10:23 Facing De feet 🤣
Spielberg is one of, if not the greatest director in the history of cinema. He can make a great movie, regardless of the genre. Other great directors in history seemed to nave a niche - John Huston had westerns. Alfred Hitchcock had the film noir. CB De Mille had the large, overblown epics. Spielberg can move seemlessly through any genre from Jaws to Saving Private Ryan to the Color Purple to Schindler’s List to E.T. To Raiders of the Lost Ark. His creativity, attention to detail and sense of story telling is unmatched. Those of us who have grown up watching his films have been blessed with the opportunity to become immersed in wonder as the stories unfold before our eyes.
Ironically I was formulating a similar response in my head when I saw your post. Spielberg was the sorceror supreme of cinema magic, and sits at the top because of the sheer vastness of the broad appeal he's met. Whereas with other directors you can expect a good thriller, a good crime drama, a good western, etc. With Spielberg you could just expect a good MOVIE, with a track record that was virtually untarnished.
Excellent analysis. His blocking is second to none
I think Spielberg is at his best when he’s coming off of a setback. Raiders after 1941. Jurassic Park after Hook. When he has a point to prove, there is no one who can touch him
I like how you synced up the line, “after facing defeat” with the shot of Indy kicking the truck driver in the face
Wait a second. This has some overlap with the Every Frame a Painting video “The Spielberg Oner”
Excellent breakdown and description of a master's work. Never noticed certain details like blue light and gold light meaning different things. Love that this is so entertaining yet gives lots of valuable information that other aspiring directors/writers/cinematographers can use!
I recently learned that he used yellow throughout Jaws as a cautionary warning (Chrissie Watkins' purse, Alex Kitner's raft, Mrs. Kitner's hat, dog owner's shirt, Hooper's flashlight, the barrels, etc.)
Amy Farrah Fowler ruined this movie for me.
I love everything Spielberg has done up to AI. Afterward…..not so much.
It may be cinematic heresy to say this, but my all time favourite Spielberg movie is: 1941.
Indy (1-3 Only!), Jaws, CEOTTK, Schindler’s List, Sugarland Express, SPR, and The Color Purple (should’ve won an Oscar for that one too!), and E.T. are testaments to great filmmaking, but I absolutely LOVE 1941! I know it virtually by heart.
I always appreciate that he made so many movies that I enjoyed with my family. He implies adult themes, like I'm sure Indy and Marion hooked up on the boat during the course of the story, but it wasn't necessary to show. He got the idea across without anything awkward happening. A decent fade to black is all you need before jumping to the next scene.
Steven Spielberg is one of the directors can make boring scene looks so much interesting.
You repeatedly use the word "prolifec" referencing Director Steven Spielberg, which means merely that he made many movies. I'm pretty sure by context you intended to convey much more. Is there a word meaning both prolific & genius?
Thank you for your insightful documentary, it helped me appreciate one of my favorite pictures even more.
Contact. They filmed the girl running. then they put a green screen on the mirror and projected the footage of the girl running. So, what you're actually seeing is a static shot of a green screen, then it pulls back just as the girl comes into frame to open the cabinet
I always love how this film shows the greatness of tight story telling. We are so hooked, we do not even realize that Indy's part in this movie is completely ... irrelevant. Everything would have happened the way it did with or without him. But boy is it great to tag a long.
Goddamn Karen Allen should have been in 100x more movies.
she wasn't a traditional hollywood beauty. not blond not tall, not buxom. i agree, she's a beautiful woman, and it's a crime she didn't get more work.
I think the important distinction alluded to here regarding the long takes is that Spielberg uses them strictly as a storytelling tool rather than as a gimmick.
The first scene of the interior of the Battlestar Galactica where Adama is reviewing his proposed speech while walking through the ship was all done in one take.
bro how are you not at 100k subs
almost there!
@11:03 I don't know if there's anything to this, but there's something amusingly topsy-turvy about the 'snakes' setup and payoff. The introductory line - basically pure exposition - is a scream of rage at a threat that's not even present. Then when he's actually faced with them he sounds almost wearily resigned to it. You can imagine a first draft version of that where "I hate snakes, I hate 'em" is stated plainly and "snakes! why'd it have to be snakes!?" is yelled in terror, but we get the opposite.
To overanalyse for a second, maybe that tells us something about Indy being an emotional man who's able to set that aside to deal calmly with the danger he constantly finds himself in. Orrr maybe it's just funny to see a line read in a surprising way.
In real life, Harrison Ford is not afraid of snakes.
He was taken by complete surprise the first time. The second time he saw them from a distance and could at least brace himself for the danger. That's how I'm taking it, at least.
What are you talking about? His movies definitely have a distinct visual style. Once you see it you can’t un see it.
Jaws and Raiders have been and will be some of my absolute favorites, but one I think that very much goes under the radar for Spielberg is Empire of the Sun. It very much feels like a clash between the child-like wonder of something like E.T. or the Goonies, against very serious and very real historical events, like Schindler's List or Saving Private Ryan (coincidentally or not, all concerning World War II). It's a great odyssey across set pieces that are incredibly varied, feeling something like a post-apocalyptic wasteland by the end.
Thank you for another beautiful upload!💗 Great analysis of Spielberg's genius. However, my favourite Spielberg movie is another Indiana Jones - The Last Crusade which excels and is above Raiders in almost every respect, every moviemaking parametre, despite general public's opinion. Shindler's List is also (maybe) a better movie. Two of my less likely favourites are The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn - 2011 and the Hook - 1991. But objectively, apart from one's dislike of certain genres (like spy movies imo) there is no really bad Spielberg movie.
i wholly agree, the last crusade perfects the indiana jones formula and has so many iconic moments
The clip of the bar drinking scene is mirrored for some reason. Karen Allen is on the right side in the movie.
Bro, i think you should remove accidentally from the title
Age of Innocence had a great long shot too!
Blockbuster Steven Spielberg!
3:27 I can't recall if I saw that shot explained anywhere... and this does not explain it, but you can tell the hand that appears on frame at 3:29 from the bottom right corner of the screen doesn't coincide with how the mirrored one moves; take a look at the index finger in the mirror almost totally contracted while the one reaching the doorknob appears partially extended ^^
Oh! And it has to be The Goonies and I'm totally biased but you asked for favourite
Love the content btw
Salu2
Correct. The mirror is not a mirror, it is a bluescreen. They projected another take on the "mirror" from the opposite angle.
th-cam.com/video/HQRu9cz5L9E/w-d-xo.html
Beautiful analysis. You conveyed an appreciation for Spielberg and Raiders in particular. I love that movie, and I'm gonna have to watch it again.
The monkey in Raiders is the same monkey in Night at the Museum! What a career!
The secret being relayed here is this:
Filmmaking isn't about special effects or budget. It isn't about high handed moralizing or shaky cam shots or drone wide shots or a lot of silliness.
Filmmaking is about understanding that every second of your film must serve the story. If the audience sees something there had better be a reason. If they hear something, there had better be a reason. You are having a conversation with your audience. You must convey the information you need them to have and hold back what you don't want them to know so that when your characters and your setting and your actions scenes and dialogue show them that information, they will be glad to have it. Each sequence is a seduction. You must maintain the romance from sequence to sequence letting your audience fain small victories but keeping the meat of the thing visible but just out of reach. Then, when they aren't paying attention to how you are doing it, you tell them a great story and let that romance come into full bloom just as that story develops.
Action needs more scenes and less sequels.
Romance needs more sequels and less scenes.
Thrillers need mystery more than comedy and horror needs a monster more than a hero.
But every story needs all these things. Things happen in scenes and characters react to them in sequels. Tension, mystery, conflict, comedy, love, death, sex and horror.
The elements of a good story are in our bones. We just need to get out of our own way to tell them.
I was telling this to my wife years ago about why I love Spielburg. He just puts the camera down and lets you watch. He doesn't get crazy and doesn't draw attention to the filmmaking. You're just there. Spielburg makes MOVIES.
It's the perfect movie. I never get tired of watching it. I would like to watch Raiders in black and white however.
The writer of the story is just as important.
I love the moment when he gets hit by the mirror, and we cut to the ship to hear his scream ( 3:54 ).
This is reflected in the Holy Grail movie during the chase in the circus train at the beginning of the film, when he falls into the snake pit and we cut to the train and hear his scream.
From the first scene you can feel the quality of this movie.
CONTACT SHOT - Looks like the camera is using a longer lens to get a tighter shot on the mirror's image. As the girl comes up to the medicine cabinet you can see the camera move camera left to adjust for the end of the shot as her arm reaches across the lens and her face towards the camera (towards the cabinet knob) to get the final punch of the shot. That's how they get the match with her arm reflected in the mirror -- cool shot
You, Cinemastix and Thomas Flight are my biggest inspirations for the content I create on TH-cam. Keep up the awesome work :)
I'll have you know that Archer is a thief. He steals other peoples content and ideas word for word.
@@Vidyadude yeah I saw Like Stories of Old video (I actually have a top rated comment on his new video) and have since unsubscribed from Archer.
"Accidentally" is a misleading title; I believe Spielberg said he was 'more prepared for this movie than any other,' as he was terrified by the failure of '1941.'
WOW, what a beautiful presentation ! It's like i was attending a Masterclass!
Great video. Subscribed right at 100k
A simple artist, for the simple masses. Spielberg doesn’t take risks, doesn’t know what it’s like to take a risk. Fine filmmaker, with fine films, doesn’t deserve to be worshipped.
this single shot that got locked intodifferent composed images further developing the action is a style kurosawa used and which is extremly well excecuted over star trek voyager.
That shot in Contact blew my mind. Did you notice that as Ellie opens the medicine cabinet, the mirror is flat, but as the door swings closed, the mirror has a beveled edge?
I think this was done deliberately. It represents a break in Ellie's reality. The time before her father died, and the time after. In the book it is even more clear. Before Ellie's father died she had a loving and supportive man in her life, and after she loses this.
The mirror changed to represent this shift in her reality. In the book her mother remarries a collage professor who believes that women have no place in acidemia.
The Drumlin character in the movie is a combination of several characters in the book, but the main one is her stepfather.
Raiders is still my favorite Spielberg film. For all the reasons you brought up and more. What I love most is the character development of Indy himself. He could easily have been a one-dimensional hero we saw from the serials that inspired the genesis of Raiders. But they desceptively gave him something much more than the "perfect hero." He really can't fight that well, his boxing is amateurish and intentionally made so by the actor and director. He only ever "wins" fights or combat by "cheating" or awareness of some other outside information and luck like the propellors in the plane fight. Or saved by random people who happen to hate the nazis enough to take a risk hiding the truck to make them look bad. He is a middling archaeologist as well. He fails at getting the idol. Others have more resources and even better skills than he does. They don't hire allies that end up betraying them like he does. As a teacher, he also doesn't seem that great. He fumbles through his lectures a bit and forgets to tell them about the assignments they need due until right as the bell goes off. Like all of us, he fails at relationships with his mentor, fails with lovers. Fails, fails, fails. He has confidence but it is almost misquided confidence because he is always outclassed, outmaneuvered, and at a disadvantage. He has weaknesses and dumb phobias, but we can relate to a phobia about snakes. He can't even bluff Beloch with the rpg pretending he'd blow up the ark, so then he fails a *2nd* time at rescuing Marion. He's captured in the end and only saved by getting a spooky feeling he at first failed to appreciate when he started the whole journey. Indiana is all of us. A unique approach!
Indy is an underdog, like Rocky, and we root for the underdog!
It is because of George Lucas that these movies are so well regarded, and not because of Spielberg, even if he's one of my fav directors ever thats just not a good reason to say he made a "Classic" since it was the other guy who literally created it.
Spielberg directed it. George had the idea and helped develop the story but he didn't even write the script by himself
@@robertpaterson5477 he didn't "help" develop the story 😂 he literally is the creator of the story, all characters & setting. Inform youself before making stupid assumptions atleast. Embarrassing
@@thunderboltproductionsshpk no he isn't. Lucas, Spielberg and Kasdan developed it together, Kasdan wrote the script. Lucas wrote Star Wars. He didn't write Raiders. Spielberg is the master behind the film, not Lucas.
@@robertpaterson5477
"The series was created by George Lucas. The first four films were only directed by Steven Spielberg, who worked closely with Lucas during their production." LucasFilm 😂 just go back to sleep and cut the BS.
@@thunderboltproductionsshpk You don't know what a director does do you.
Fun side fact, Marcus Brody and his "museum" were based on the real life museum at the U of Chicago. It is filled with valuable and rare artifacts.... largely stolen in the 20s and 30s, though at the time, it was considered "saving"
14:30 I'm sure these shots were used to further that point. Blue sky prominent while he's fighting and hiding in the pipe, blue light on the snakes, a warm gold hue when he's with Marion in the bar
Lovely breakdown of one of the greatest adventure movies made to date.
Did Spielberg have a DoP on Raiders as well, or he did it all himself?
If he did, then he or she should have a large chunk off praise as well.
too bad he STOLE the content. dudes scummy
@@MsJenniferwilson Good to know. Do you know the actual origin of the content then?
@@DrBovdin like stories of old and others
Just went to a THEATER to watch RAIDERS of the LOST ARK.... Full house. Remember GOOD movies - just telling great stories with out the garbage we have now.
Around 2012? I saw it again in a big theater with a live orchestra. It is well worth the big screen experience.
Yeah not even the newest Indy film could replicate that, but I saw old people buying tickets to see it, cause they were there when all started.
Spielberg is the kind of director who reaches into the muck and pulls out a diamond. He’s made some classic films and what I argue is the best film ever made, Schindler’s List.