What’s Aged the Best?
John Williams’s score, short runtime, Ford’s fedora, practical filmmaking, VHS accessibility, and densely observed details
In the discussion (6)
Approx. transcript time · 00:53:17Read transcript
- Williams’s score is the first and strongest nomination, with the march, map-room cue, and several distinct themes singled out.
- Nazi villains, the sub-two-hour runtime, and the uniquely wearable-by-Ford fedora are praised as durable choices. — Bill Simmons
- A very young Alfred Molina, the poisoned-date gag, and the movie’s practical sets and stunts remain vivid. — Bill Simmons
- Paramount’s comparatively cheap $39.95 VHS release is credited with selling a million copies within two years and helping unlock home video. — Bill Simmons
- The fly that appears to enter Belloq’s mouth and the anonymous male student leaving Indy an apple exemplify accidental and deliberate details that reward rewatches.
- Karen Allen’s 1980–81 run and the isolated Nepal bar’s appeal round out the category.