Maybe the Real Crystal Skull is the Friends We Made Along the Way - Intrusive Feature 2b
Sep 17, 2023
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Guests Gabe and Ken join the hosts to review Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Topics cover surviving a nuclear blast in a refrigerator, Shia LeBoeuf's role, using movies in class, Russian soldiers, inaccuracies in the film, interdimensional beings, archaeology theory, problematic relationships, Canadian heritage moments, and children's programming commercials.
The movie features inaccuracies in its portrayal of archaeology and crystal skulls.
The representation of women in the movie is limited and lacks meaningful conversations.
The movie presents interdimensional beings as the main antagonists instead of traditional extraterrestrial creatures.
The movie includes nostalgic references to previous Indiana Jones films but lacks substantial new content.
Deep dives
Inaccuracies and Inconsistencies in Crystal Skulls and Magnetic Artifacts
The movie features inaccuracies and inconsistencies, such as the use of gunpowder and lead pellets to detect intensely magnetic areas, even though gunpowder and lead are not magnetic. The concept that interdimensional beings have magnetic skeletons and collect metal artifacts is also implausible. Furthermore, the portrayal of the crystal skulls is not accurate to their real-life counterparts, which were modern creations crafted from Brazilian quartz in Germany.
Gender Representation and Bechdel Test
The movie features two main female characters, Irina Spalko and Marion, but they have limited screen time together and do not engage in meaningful conversations beyond brief confrontations. While one argument suggests that they pass the Bechdel Test because they communicate briefly without discussing men, it is clear that the representation of women in the movie is limited.
Depiction of Aliens as Interdimensional Beings
The movie presents the aliens as interdimensional beings rather than extraterrestrial creatures. This decision was made to avoid the association with previous alien films by Steven Spielberg. However, the explanation for their interdimensional nature lacks sufficient detail and is not adequately developed within the movie.
References to Previous Indiana Jones Films
The movie includes elements that pay homage to previous Indiana Jones films, such as the warehouse scene and the appearance of the crystal skulls. These references attempt to connect the movie to the original trilogy but may rely too heavily on nostalgia without adding substantial new content.
The Problematic Depiction of Indigenous People
The podcast discusses the problematic portrayal of indigenous people in the film. It highlights how the movie implies that killing indigenous people is justified to gain access to historical sites. The hosts express their disappointment in the lack of criticism or commentary on these actions within the film.
Shift from Culture Historical to Processual Archaeology
The hosts analyze a line from the movie regarding normative culture models and diffusionism, which leads to a discussion about the shift from culture historical to processual archaeology. They explain that the movie is set in 1957, a time when there was a transition happening in archaeological theory. They explore the differences between the two approaches and their impact on understanding culture change.
Exploring the Anthropological Themes
The podcast delves into the anthropological themes touched upon in the movie. They mention how the storyline relates to the ontological tearing and anthropology, discussing the concept of imagining a cultural system where the inexplicable makes sense. They also touch upon the theme of aging and the lack of exploration of positive aspects of Jones' career and personal growth in the movie.
This podcast belongs in a museum! It's our first podcast crossover, as Gabe and Ken are welcomed on to the Screens of the Stone Age Podcast joining hosts Joshua Lindal, Dr. Kimberly Plomp, and Dr. Ross Barnett to review and discuss our second Indiana Jones Movie - Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Is the movie good? Can you survive a nuclear blast in a refrigerator? Why Shia LeBoeuf? ?Ontologies? All questions you might get answered on this special edition of the New Brunswick Archaeology Podcast.Show NotesFind Screens of the Stone Age here:https://pasc-scpa.ca/sotsaListen here: