It is not the act, which is good or evil, but the intentions of the person that does the act that determines whether the act is perceived as good or evil. This is shown in the meeting with Belloq scene, because Belloq places himself on the darker side saying. “I am a shadowy reflection of you” in saying, this Belloq also means his intentions are darker. Belloq and Jones both carry out the same actions, taking archaeological treasures from their place of origin, but Jones intentions are self-less as he taking these treasures for the college and museum on the other hand Belloq’s intentions are much blacker because his intentions are for his own personal gain.
This scene takes place in a crowded café in Cairo, Egypt. Jones is attempting to drown his sorrow in alcohol because he is sad because he thinks that Marion has been killed when the truck that she was in exploded. Belloq invites Jones to inside and talk with him. As conversation aggresses because Jones will not accept that he is similar to Belloq, Jones takes out his gun but just then everyone in the café reveals that they have weapons as well and that this was a trap orchestrated by Belloq. Then many children run in and surround Jones walking him outside to safety. “It will take more than children to save you next time” says Belloq.
This scene gives the viewer the idea that Belloq and Jones are very similar. This means that archaeology is both their passion and that they are equal in skill level in terms of archaeology. Belloq saying that “Where shall I find another adversary so close to my own level” tells us that even Belloq recognised Jones’s talent. It also confirms that they were very similar. Jones however refused to believe that he had anything in common with the traitorous Belloq, despite the fact that archaeology is both their religion Jones believes that because his motivations for archaeology are self-less he is different from Belloq.
This is an important scene in the film ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ because, not only does it show the similarities between Belloq and Jones, it also conveys the idea that there is not only good or evil in relation to actions. There are a multiple of grays in between, this depends on the motivations of the person doing the action. The fact that Jones and Belloq both do the same actions it is the motivations behind the actions that determine whether the action is black (evil) or a shade of Grey. This is important in real life, because everyday we are faced with decisions that require us to question our motivations for making a certain choice.
