Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation (Video 1989)

A shot-for-shot remake of Raiders of the Lost Ark started by three 12-year-olds and completed over a period of six years.

Director:

Eric Zala

Writers:

Lawrence Kasdan, Philip Kaufman (story),

Stars:

Chris Strompolos, Angela Rodriguez, Eric Zala

Cast

Credited cast:
Chris Strompolos	...	Indiana Jones
Angela Rodriguez	...	Marion
Eric Zala	...	Belloq
Ted Ross	...	Toht
Alan Stenum	...	Sallah
William Coon	...	Brody
Kurt Zala	...	Gobler
Clay LaGrone	...	Satipo
Sam Cummings	...	Barranca
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Michael Bales	...	Dietrich

Storyline

This is a shot-for-shot remake of the original Raiders of the Lost Ark, made by three teen-age boys in Mississippi over the course of seven years. Their production wrapped in 1989, and was shelved and forgotten until 2003 when a copy fell into the hands of Eli Roth (writer/director of Cabin Fever who passed on a copy to 'Steven Spielberg' . Spielberg congratulated the boys on their hard work, and said he looks forward to seeing their names on the big screen. Scott Rudin and Paramount have purchased the trio's life rights and will be producing a film based on their adventures making their remake, known as _Untitled Daniel Clowes Project (2006)_ .

---

Plot Keywords:

remake | obsession | indiana jones | true life adventure | coming of age

---

Genres:

Action | Adventure | Thriller

---

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 August 1989 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Biloxi, Mississippi, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Rolling Boulder Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Originally, the boys had planned for a kitten to substitute for the traitorous spider monkey. One day, Chris suggested, what if instead, they used Chris' dog Snickers in the role? Eric thought about it, and agreed. Snickers proved to be oddly accommodating about being perched on Chris' shoulder, and it worked: what more classic image than a boy and his dog?

---

Connections

Featured in Backyard Blockbusters (2012)

User Reviews

Inspiring, to Say the Least

I haven't watched all of this yet, though I'm thrilled to now have a copy of this hard-to-find video which I had read about at various times over the past few years. Makes me want to get out my camera and start shooting. I'm also thrilled to hear that Daniel Clowes is working on adapting these kids' adventures for a big-screen film. Maybe their story will inspire the next generation of Spielbergs.

I'm somewhat surprised to see that no one else has commented on this film, though I suppose it's a bit difficult to find. My suggestion is to look for obscure film torrent sites like Karagarga, though some probably require invitations. I believe the film was shown in Austin a few years ago at the Alamo Drafthouse, but I wonder what sort of condition it was in at the time. The copy I have is fairly poor -- not unlike something you'd find on a VHS tape from 1985 that was re-recorded over several times. Makes me wonder if they'll show clips from the actual adaptation in Clowes' film or if they'll re-shoot clips using the actors who will play the kids in the movie. It'll be interesting to see how it pans out...