The Observer, April 27, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 26
Raiders adaptation provides impressive look at amateur filmmaking
Success is such a hard word to define. Different people have different measures of success in their lives. Yet there are some things that rise above every possible argument against success and define it not only for their genre, but across numerous others. Raiders of the Lost Ark, the first movie in the Indiana Jones trilogy, is one of the most successful films of all time, both critically and financially. It also stands as a business investment bonanza, costing $20 million to make and reaping twenty times that much just in ticket sales.
The timeless tale of archaeologist Indiana Jones searching for the Ark of the Covenant absolutely ripped up the box office, grossing nearly $400 million worldwide in its 1981 release keep nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Directed by Steven Spielberg with George Lucas as executive producer, Raiders of the Lost Ark was named the 60th greatest film of all time by the American Film Institute and is preserved in the Library of Congress as a film of great "cultural significance." It is a flawless résumé that commands only the highest level of respect. What allows a film like this to remain relevant and inspiring 25 years later is evidenced this weekend at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque, where Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation screens Friday and Saturday night.
John Ewing, co-founder and director of the Cinematheque, had much to say about the screening. "I heard about how popular showings of the Raiders Adaptation were at other non-profit specialty film theatres around the country," said John, "so I decided to book it myself. Like virtually everything we screen, it does not tie into any curriculum work or student activity. But it does support our primary goal of bringing interesting and important films to Cleveland that would not play here otherwise."
The Cinematheque has been showing movies at the Cleveland Institute of Art since August of 1986. It shows nearly 250 different feature films every year. At least 100 of the movies the Cinematheque shows are exclusive Cleveland-area first-run films, but everything the Cinematheque shows (classics, second-run films, and films from visiting filmmakers)
is a Cleveland exclusive at the time of its showing.
Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation was made by three teenagers – Jayson Lamb, Chris Strompolos, and Eric Zala – in Biloxi, Mississippi from 1982 all the way until 1989. The remake was finally discovered by Eli Roth, director of Cabin Fever and Hostel, in 2003, and is just now paying dividends for the filmmakers. "The film recently sold out at the Wexner Center in Columbus and the George Eastman House in Rochester, N.Y., so we are expecting a good turnout," says Ewing. Paramount Pictures purchased the trio's life rights and will be producing a film based on their adventures making their remake, currently known as the Untitled Daniel Clowes Project. Directing legend Steven Spielberg is purported to have seen the film, loved it, and commented that he "is looking forward" to seeing the creators' names "on the big screen."
Following an all-encompassing path of success similar to its $20 million inspiration, Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation looks to be a fascinating viewing for any film fan. The first showing is 9:45 p.m. on Friday and then 7:00 p.m. on Saturday. Eric Zala and Chris Strompolos, two of the three original creators, will be in town to present the film and lead along with leading a class for aspiring film directors. Tickets are $8 for CIA students, and faculty, $15 for non-Cinematheque members, and $12 for members. Go to www.cia.edu/cinematheque for more information.
