Temple of Doom

In the Steven Spielberg movie Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Orientalism is not only present but obvious to any observant viewer. I had not previously noticed the elements of Orientalism in the film. The film is a prequel to Raiders of the Lost Ark, and the movie follows archaeologist Indiana Jones on his journey to a desperate village in India. Upon his arrival, Jones is asked to find a mystical stone with a night club singer and a 12-year old boy, madness ensues.

Though Indiana Jones is a famous archaeologist, the ideas of Orientalism are strongly represented in the film, as a white American man is sent to solve the problem and save the day. Furthering the idea that those in "Eastern" culture are helpless and in need of saving. Additionally, the film outright misrepresents Indian culture, including a scene of Indians eating snakes, monkey, and other animals. The violence represented in the movie also conflicts the popular ideal of peace present in India. The movie is filled with cliches and stereotypes that oppose Indian culture. The film also manages to be sexist in addition to racist. The movie was so offensive that it was banned in India.