This week I will be focusing on the actors of Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark.  I will classify each actor and explain my reasoning.

The first actor I want to focus on is John Rhys-Davies, the character Sallah. I would categorize Rhys-Davies as a character type actor.  A character type actors are able to fit invisibly into a wide variety of characters and adapting to the needs of each script and director they work with. (Goodykoontz 2011)   It would be hard to think of this film without thinking of Sallah's booming voice.  Just like the Lord of the Rings without Gimli, yeah thats the same guy. In the film Sallah is a friend of Indy's that helps him in his native land of Egypt.  He doesn't play a star role in the film, but he has a great supporting role.  I think he uses a realistic portrayal in the film.  He is a big dude, willing to help but not as brave as Indy.  He is a very versatile actor, and I think needs more credit.

The next actor I will be focusing on, you might not notice in this film.  He had a small part in the beginning but plays the part well.  Alfred Molina, who plays Satipo ( you may know him better as Dr, Octopus in the  Spiderman series)  played a small but important role in this film.  I would also classify Molina as a character type actor.  In the beginning of the film, we see Indy and Satipo entering the Temple.  He is Indy's  helpful guide.   But after Indy retrieves the Idol, Satipo changes modes into thief, wanting the idol for himself.  Which lets face it, thats a realistic portrayal.  He saw Indy in trouble and he took advantage of that.  I dont think many people would pass that up.  Great actor, great character.

Now the final actor I want to focus on is a star actor.  So obviously he is the star of Indiana Jones.  Harrison Ford is a star and usually man protagonist in all his films.  You see Indiana Jones and you think of Ford.  Indy is a distinctive screen persona.  Ford is well known in the film world.  He has played Indiana Jones (obviously), Han Solo (also a bada$$), the President in Air Force One ( in which he kicked a$$), and Blade Runner.  This guy is a star.  He is always the strong leader/heroic type of character.  I mean, Han Solo .... without him, Luke would have been shot down in that trench by Vader.  All those people would have died on Air Force One if he had gotten into his emergency pod.  When you think of Harrison Ford, you know he's going to do some amazing things.

References:

Goodykoontz, B; Jacobs, C. (2011). Film: From Watching to Seeing. Bridgepoint Education Inc. Retrieved from Ashford University Library

thepeterson (2014Jan25)  All the Harrison Ford Movies Retrieved from www.youtube.com

Movies Coming Soon (2012Aug15) Raiders of the Lost Ark IMAX Movie Clip: Throw me the idol (2012) Harrison Ford Movie retrieved from www.youtube.com