Raiders of the Lost Ark
(Indiana Jones #1)
by Campbell Black
fantasy, adventure
copyright 1981
read in March 2016
5/10: readable, but only if there's nothing else
Loved the movie! Found the book to be... just a bit embarrassing.
The book is based on the movie. There's surprisingly little that actually happens in the movie. The author fills in the gaps with explanations of what the characters are thinking and feeling. That's a problem.
Indy and the girl exchange looks. ("The girl" is Marion. But who cares.) The movie audience chuckle, think whatever they like about the thoughts and feelings behind the looks. When it's put into words -- it's a bit twee. A bit silly. Just a bit embarrassing.
Even the hero's name: Indy... Indiana is strange but okay. Everyone is entitled to a foolish name. Everyone has parents. But "Indy" just sound childish. Ooos a cute ickle baby Indy kitchikoo...
Then there's the action. Scene after scene of action with vague plot linkages. Great fun in a movie: non-stop action. And -- with Harrison Ford -- entertaining action. In a book... the author has failed to capture the pure entertainment of the Harrison Ford actor. What's left is somewhat stilted and purely unbelievable.
Great movie.
Weak book.
Perhaps, though, I should re-watch the movie... Just in case the memory is better than the actual movie.
But surely not...
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