Upon exploring the myriad special features accompanying Steven Spielberg’s Raiders Of The Lost Ark, it becomes evident that the movie’s set was not always a harmonious and joyful environment. A significant portion of the production unfolded in Tunisia, where less-than-ideal conditions resulted in numerous members of the cast and crew falling ill, afflicted with diseases like dysentery.
While Harrison Ford was one of those who fell ill during the production, the same cannot be said for director Steven Spielberg, who adopted some lighthearted and amusing measures to safeguard himself while filming in North Africa.
How Did Steven Spielberg Save Himself?
Ford’s unforgettable encounter with dysentery on the set gave rise to one of the film’s most iconic scenes. The memorable moment where Indiana Jones coolly dispatches a scimitar-wielding swordsman in the midst of a bustling bazaar was born out of Ford’s physical limitations during filming. In a CNN interview, the actor shared this amusing anecdote and also disclosed the clever and comical tactics used by the film’s director to maintain his health throughout the challenging production.
“We were to have filmed a four-day whip and scimitar fight in a marketplace. And I was suffering from dysentery. And so were many members of the crew. Not Steven, because every time he went in the shower, he put gaffer tape over his mouth, and he traveled with a trunk full of Spaghetti-O’s.”
During the production of Raiders Of The Lost Ark, Steven Spielberg demonstrated his unwavering commitment and readiness to face any challenges head-on. Recognizing the impossibility of directing a movie while enduring symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, a high fever, and stomach cramps, he took decisive measures to safeguard his health and prevent any potential contaminations.
Steven Spielberg Had To Alter Some Scenes
Continuing the recounting of their experiences, Harrison Ford humorously acknowledged Steven Spielberg’s commendable avoidance of the dreadful disease that had plagued him. Ford attributed the director’s health preservation to a shared notion, which ultimately led to the decision to transform the initially intense bazaar battle into a more comical beat.
“But he didn’t have dysentery. So it was up to me to say, ‘Listen, I can’t stay out of the dressing room for very long. Should we think about cutting this down? Let’s just shoot this son of a b*tch.’ And Steven said, ‘I was just thinking about that myself!'”
The production of Raiders Of The Lost Ark proved to be incredibly grueling for Harrison Ford, who had already encountered several on-set injuries and illnesses in the past. Unfortunately, this time was no exception. In addition to suffering from dysentery, he also endured a torn ACL in his left leg during the intense fight scene between Indiana Jones and the muscular German pilot in the film’s second act.
Raiders Of The Lost Ark can be streamed on Disney+.
Source: Cinemablend
