From Time Travel to Rogue Archaeology: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

After many years of waiting, the archaeologist in the fedora, sporting the iconic whip, is back. Those who went to the theatre are galvanised upon returning home: lashing their own fictional enemies in their backyards and digging in their gardens, searching for a lost relic. “Archaeology is the search for fact, not truth.” For this to happen, it should undoubtedly be a series which has a compelling story and emotional sense behind it, none other than Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, the latest of the Indiana Jones franchise, follows the archaeologist, Dr Jones, who confronts Dr Voller having in possession the Antikythera: a device which would revolutionise the world forever. The plot interwoven with relationships, history, and rogue archaeology. When you’re an archaeologist, there isn’t much to do except search for historical items: the Ark of the Covenant, a glowing Sankara stone, the Holy Grail, a shining pure gold idol, or just a curious little mechanical object that allows you to time travel (Antikythera). Perhaps even when Archimedes was alive?

Indiana Jones has fought and survived just about any enemy you can imagine from the lowly Nazis to a devilish goddess. Nevertheless, has he ever faced the reality of our world? The Indiana Jones franchise is built on legends, curiosity, and adventure; it is unsurprising to see such artefacts appear in the films, but are they real? Just because the franchise is somewhat fictional it is unable to define that the items aren’t real at all. The Antikythera mechanism - made by Archimedes - seems ludicrous to have been discovered in a Greek ship and existed: it was found in 1901 but remains as one of the most complicated mysteries to be solved. A legend about the Holy Lance and Grail is present but their whereabouts are yet to be discovered.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny has seen to it that the diversity of characters deliver meaning and sense to the audience: Helena and Teddy take selling historical relics as a hobby to acquire ‘glorious’ money. “It’s called capitalism”; obviously, your honesty is optional when capitalism is your goal. The combo epitomises ‘family’ romance as they both always attempt to rescue each other when needed. They also elicit the mischievous Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Age and time is another theme in the film: we can witness Indiana Jones from World War II and Professor Jones from the Apollo 11 Moon Landing.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is indeed a fantastic movie: its twisted, insightful, and enthralling plot is guaranteed to satisfy action fans: a top-notch movie. It conceptualises capitalism, ageing, and family romance. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is the final instalment of the Indiana Jones franchise, but, under no circumstances, his last adventure. The thought-provoking final scene of the movie unveils Indiana reaching for his hat: a signal there might be a next journey for him and a new relic. Whatever it is: “ It belongs in a museum!”