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Real-Life Indiana Jones, Sues LucasFilm, Disney Over Crystal Skull

A real-life Indiana Jones has filed a lawsuit against the Walt Disney Co., Lucasfilm, and Paramount Pictures for using the crystal skull in the film, “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” The archaeologist says the film used a replica of the skull in the film and collected “illegal profits.”

Dr. Jaime Awe, a real-life Indiana Jones and director of the Institute of Archeology of Belize, is suing on behalf of the country of Belize, according to THR. Awe is demanding the return of the crystal skull, which he says was stolen by the treasure-hunting family Mitchell-Hedges 88 years ago and used as a money-maker, as well as damages from “illegal profits” accrued by Disney, Lucasfilm, and Paramount for allegedly using a replica “likeness” in the 2008 Steven Spielberg film.

Stupid lawsuit, obviously. The movie didn’t even show the ‘real’ M-H skull, just mentioned it at one point. Plus, you know, the one they actually used was a lame-o plastic thing full of Saran Wrap. . . . .

So in my search for a new field hat, I ventured a bit north to inquire at David Morgan, makers and distributers of fine outdoor clothing and accessories. I’d actually been there a few years earlier when my sister was out for a visit and needed some rough-weather clothing for riding. Being in need for new headgear I figured I’d scope out all the options. David Morgan, the founder, still goes to the retail store almost daily so I arranged to meet him (again) and add a little celebrity status to my humble blog:

That’s one of his bullwhips for sale (a bit rich for me); he even demonstrated its use, cracking it a few times; though he offered to snap a cigarette out of my mouth, I thankfully am a tobacco teetotaler (though I did gamely offer to try on a hat and have him snap it off of my head) and I settled for air-cracking instead.

I got to go in the back and see an actual whip being made:

Yup, hand made. I’d venture the details on how they are made, but I didn’t take notes. Admittedly, they make my weaponized trowel look a bit weak, but I can probably find more actual uses for the latter, even if they don’t involve swinging from Austrian castles and such.

As for a hat. . . . .hmmmmmm. Been toying with the idea of a pith helmet, and there were a couple of hats there that might do the trick, and look pretty snazzy to boot. Actually, my favorite was sort of a canvas Filson fedora-like thing that looked suitably rugged, crushable, and probably sprayable to make it mostly waterproof. Alas, for all around function, a wide-brimmed hard hat may end up being the most functional, if not fashionable, choice; suitable for sun, wind, rain, and construction sites.

Anyway, thanks to Mr. Morgan and Will for indulging my Indy fantasy for a while, and learning a few things as well. Would that we all could have a life as long and successful as David Morgan.

Errr, not me. ‘Raiders’: Damon Lindelof’s love letter to a ‘perfect movie’

And here’s the thing: Although it’s easy to reduce “Raiders” to a “popcorn” movie — a piece of escapist adventure with fantastic action — very rarely is it appreciated for its pure innovative genius. This is something people seemed to be well aware of back in 1981 (it was nominated for a best picture Oscar), but over time, the legacy of “Raiders” seems to neglect just how incredibly revolutionary it was as a film. Therefore, as a debt of gratitude (and for everything I’ve stolen from it in my own work), I feel it’s only fitting to write a long overdue love letter to one of my favorite films ever. So without further ado…

For shame, you so-called ‘fan’! It’s “Top. Men.”

Otherwise, I agree, although I actually wish he’d gone into more detail. He hits Indy’s real appeal right on the head though: He’s fairly normal. No super-powers, doesn’t always win, isn’t really big and muscular or know super-duper karate fighting; just an average(ish) guy who is smart, tough, and above all persistent. I think that if any part of that movie really influenced me, it was to understand what persistence is all about. True, he seems to be able to read half a dozen dead languages (most of us can barely manage a couple related ones) but that’s not that bad of a stretch.

And, you know, it was fun. No big Message, no deep meaning, just a wicked fun movie. Movie, not ‘film’. That’s what it was.