Raiders of the Lost Ark Politics Quotes

How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Quote #7

"Savage! We are not in a position to ask for anything."

The Nazi calls it like he sees it: lording over an all-black ship's crew with a sneer and a casual rattle of the saber to let them know he means business. Look closer and you'll spot some familiar class and race tensions peeking out of his dialogue.

Quote #8

"Would you be more comfortable opening the Ark in Berlin? For your Fuhrer?"

Belloq speaks to Dietrich in terms the German can understand: not "hey we get to talk to God!" but "your leader is going to be so cranky if this isn't genuine!" That's how you coerce people into doing what you want: a great example of political leverage in action.

Quote #9

"Then your Fuhrer has no prize!"

Indy's not as good at leverage as Belloq, but he understands that you have to speak to the Nazis on their own level. Threaten Dietrich with political fallout rather than appeal to his good graces. Nothing like mentioning "Der Fuhrer" to get a Nazi's attention. It's more likely to get Indy what he wants, and it might have worked if Belloq weren't onto his reindeer games.