Indiana Jones’ Last Voyage
Since the famous arrival of a certain train at La Ciotat station on January 25, 1896, the train has been the vector of cinematic movement par excellence. In westerns, in action movies, but more generally in all genres, this machine holds a unique relationship with cinema. It is therefore no coincidence that Steven Spielberg shows so much in The Fabelmanson the screen into Under the biggest tent in the worldin the cellar of the house in miniature format… Let’s also think about the first and last film Mission Impossibleto several James Bonds (Kisses from Russia, Octopus, Golden eye AND Sky fall). And again to The Bridge on the River Kwai, On board the Darjeeling Limited, Unbreakable, Snow puncheretc.
Symbol of movement, progress, transformation, as well as a formidable support for action, the train is an invitation to travel, to otherness and nostalgia. As is the cinema too. Thus was born the first known adventure of Henry Walton Jones Jr, obviously more famous under the name ofIndiana Jonestakes place essentially in a train, to introduce in 1989 the third film of the great saga of Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. It’s also this oneIndiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny makes the most of its many references, knowing that the third film is already, itself, a sum of references to Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984).
Thus, taken by the story of a great saga, which in turn was taken by the great history of cinema, James Mangold had a lot to do with the making ofIndiana Jones and the dial fate, fifth film of the name and first film directed by someone other than Steven Spielberg. The task is difficult, but the director of copland AND Logano he accepts the challenge without trying to dodge, and announces from the beginning of the film that he is nostalgically facing this double story, that of Indiana Jones and that of cinema. As ? With a great action scene culminating in a brawl on the roof of a high-speed train in the night… It’s all here: the intention of the film, its will and its beautiful momentum, but also its limitations.
More nostalgic than energetic
Good news, the de-aging implemented for this new Indiana Jones movie is working well. For Harrison Ford as for Mads Mikkelsen, even if the latter needs it less than the former, the illusion works. Or is it the plunge into the defeat of the Nazis in 1945, the hero’s sworn enemies since the first film, that attracts the viewer? James Mangold, accompanied by the screenplay by Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth and David Koepp, immediately shows that he touches the heart of what makes Indiana Jones a legend. Action, humour, values to defendall provided by a hero as determined and resourceful as he is lucky.
With, of course, an artifact with supernatural powers that needs to be seized. After the Ark of the Covenant, the Sankara stones, the Grail and an alien crystal skull, it’s here the quadrant of destiny coveted by former Nazis, an ancient mechanism endowed with a special power…
The fact that this mechanism, theAntikythera, a tool that can alter the course of time, is not negligible. Indeed, there is something half in his research. Whether it’s for the Nazis who are looking for it, nostalgic for the Third Reich, for Indiana Jones himself, who could fix it a family past that tortures him, and for viewers, it has led to the question of whether they want to see their hero go back in time – more than 40 years of saga -, or leave him in the present time and thus allow him to say goodbye. James Mangold and the writers have fortunately chosen to turn up their noses at other franchises that want to continue their course at all costs, rejuvenate their characters by passing the baton. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is a conclusion, using nostalgia in its best definition: change nothing and remember the good times.
A great desire to show
Central Europe, New York, Tangier and the Greek Islands are where Indiana Jones lives his adventures, providing each of his locations with highly satisfying action scenes. By motorbike, on horseback, by car, under water, in the air, it is a truly comprehensive overview of all that a dangerous adventure can offer. It’s fun every step of the way, and the Indy duo with goddaughter Helena Shaw (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) are very convincing. This one, whose mercenary cynicism is above all amusing, acts out of selfishness, which contrasts well with the humanist struggle of her godfather: don’t give in to the Nazis.
The idea is there, the commendable will, but we can reproach the film for a sometimes abusive use of CGI. If the de-aging of the great introductory flashback is successful, it is, for example, much less the case with the digital effects of the New York stage. For his big final scene, James Mangold plays fully with the powers offered by Antikytheragiving to Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny the fantastic element present in the whole saga. If we don’t find Spielberg’s genius for staging the action of Raiders of the Lost Arkassures James Mangold again an honorable and voluntary showand Harrison Ford’s intact charm in his most prominent role more than makes up for the few visual flaws we don’t fail to identify.
The successful farewell of a great hero
Harrison Ford’s unique performance is that he embodied three great characters in the history of cinema : Han Solo in the saga Star WarsRick Deckard inside Blade Runner and its sequel, and Indiana Jones. After saying goodbye to the first two in Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens AND blade guide 2049Harrison Ford then hangs up permanently the whip and the hat in this fifth episode. She does not give up her place and the character played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge is not destined to take over. She’s autonomous, independent, not really an archaeologist and she’s fine with that.
While ensuring this last adventure, without the silly humor that would play on his advanced age, the immense Indiana Jones retains all his brilliance and offers himself and his audience a happy, serene and regretless ending. The train enters the station one last time and the heart sinks a little.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny by James Mangold, in theaters on June 28, 2023. The film was presented out of competition at the 76th Cannes Film Festival. Above the trailer. Find all our trailers here.
Source: Cine Serie
Ray Ortiz is a journalist at Gossipify, known for his coverage of trending news and current events. He is committed to providing readers with accurate and unbiased reporting, and is respected for his ability to keep readers informed on the latest news and issues.
