Indiana Jones and the Golden Statue

Could Munich be the movie that would bring the Oscar home to Steven Speilberg after six years?

PRAVEENA SHIVRAM

2 March 2006
CHENNAI, INDIA 

The fact that the 2006 Oscars are just a few days away could mean a lot of things to a lot of people. For some, it is the culmination of their hopes and anticipation, for some it signifies nail-biting excitement, while for some, it makes no difference whatsoever, with perhaps just a bit of undeniable curiosity thrown in, a sideward glance at the news to see who the winners are.

But when it comes to this director and the Oscars, it could mean only one thing – is he going to win or not?

The name, Steven Spielberg brings to mind a lot of things. Classic films, award-winning films, dreams and aspirations of every young actor stepping into Hollywood, quality, entertainment, impeccable direction and a indefatigable storytelling. The expectations that lace each and every one of his productions have only increased with his successive ventures, and despite his films not exactly getting the box office to tinkle, the curiosity of his next film seldom decreases.

The last Golden Statue Steven Speilberg took home was in 1998, for Saving Private Ryan. Since then, despite nominations coming in, the statue did not follow. This year, with Munich garnering in five nominations, speculations are rife if he can recreate his magic this time. This film, which was originally supposed to be made in 2003, was subsequently shelved when Tom Cruise's dates permitted the filming of War of the Worlds instead. Munich that traces the aftermath of the assassinations of 11 Israeli athletes during the 1972 Munich Olympics, is yet another tribute to history by Spielberg. Based on a true incident, the film traces the attempts by the Israeli Government to track down the murderers and execute revenge. Going by Spielberg's earlier films such as Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan, and Amistad, each of which dealt with history, Munich too showcases the same sensitivity, the raw emotion and the pathos that underlined his previous films.

Even as we wonder if Munich will do the trick at the 2006 Oscars, Steven Spielberg is already in the process of filming his next movie, the fourth instalment of the cult series, Indian Jones. Spielberg in an interview corroborated the fact saying, "I haven't given up making entertaining films, but over the last decade I have been making some films that express the respect I have for history ... I am about to make Indiana Jones 4, which is, as far as I am concerned, the sweet dessert I could give those who had to chow down on the bitter herbs that I've used in Munich."

Good news for most hardcore Indiana Jones' fans, who have had to wait for the last sixteen years since Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Harrison Ford, George Lucas, Sean Connery and Spielberg himself return as actors in this fourth film as well, which is being scripted by Frank Darabont, of the Shawshank Redemption fame, based on an original idea by George Lucas. The film is said to follow the adventures of an aging Indiana Jones.

Four more days to go for the 2006 Oscar awards ceremony, and perhaps another year for Indiana Jones 4… Whatever the verdict, Steven Spielberg is certainly the director of the moment, for a long time to come.