GITS Script Reading & Analysis: “Raiders of the Lost Ark” — Dialogue

This week we are analyzing the screenplay for Raiders of the Lost Ark, the 1981 action-adventure movie [screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan, story by George Lucas & Philip Kaufman].

You may download a copy of the script [August 1979] here.

Today we discuss the script’s dialogue. An excerpt from this interview with screenwriter Larry Kasdan:

You know, when I was hired to do “Raiders,” I’d only been in the business a couple of weeks. Steven had actually bought “Continental Divide” to produce, and what he really wanted was for me to write “Raiders.” And he introduced me to George, and in 10 minutes George gave me the job — and I found myself working with the two hottest people of my generation. A few weeks later, we were outlining the story, and then I went away for six months and wrote it. It couldn’t have been much more satisfying.

For Day 1 of our analysis focusing on general comments, go here.

For Day 2 of our analysis focusing on structure, go here.

For Day 3 of our analysis focusing on characters, go here.

For Day 4 of our analysis focusing on themes, go here.

A behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of Raiders:

If you know of any great behind-the-scenes videos or interviews about Raiders, please post them in comments.

For all of the other screenplays and commentary in the GITS Script Reading & Analysis series, go here.

NOTE: THE USE OF THESE SCREENPLAYS IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.

See you in comments to discuss themes in Raiders of the Lost Ark.

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