The Significance of Musical Sequences in Steven Spielberg's 'Temple of Doom'

Steven Spielberg, the maestro of cinema, masterfully intertwines musical sequences into his films to create a unique and memorable viewing experience. In his 1984 film Temple of Doom, Spielberg uses a Busby Berkeley-style musical sequence to set the tone and mood for a mid-1930s adventure. This sequence plays a crucial role in establishing the film’s non-terrestrial and fantastical world, aligning well with the overall narrative and visual style of the movie.

Setting the Tone with Musical Sequences

In Temple of Doom, Spielberg wanted to embrace an epic, Busby Berkeley style musical song-and-dance routine that couldn't possibly be performed in front of a live audience. Instead, the sequence was meticulously crafted for the cinematic experience. This decision was not just a stylistic choice but a deliberate move to set the mood of a film set in the mid-1930s.

Busby Berkeley was known for his complex, large-scale musical routines in films such as 42nd Street and Hangover Square. Spielberg's choice to emulate this style in Temple of Doom mirrors the grandeur and spectacle of Berkeley’s work. By doing so, Spielberg introduces a level of fantasy and hyperbole that extends beyond the normal realm of films, aligning perfectly with the adventurous and often over-the-top nature of the Indiana Jones series.

The Opening Stage Sequence

The opening sequence of Temple of Doom is a testament to Spielberg's mastery of cinematic storytelling. The sequence takes place on a stage that could not possibly exist in such a practically-minded nightclub setting. This choice of location and the elaborate musical performance that follows serve to establish a fantastical world that is not limited by the constraints of reality.

The stage is a microcosm of the film's larger themes, reflecting the exaggerated and elaborate nature of the plot. The audience is invited into a world where the events and action are of sheer Hollywood fantasy, a perfect setup for the ensuing action and suspense. This opening scene sets the tone for a film that is not to be taken at face value but rather to be enjoyed as an immersive and fantastical experience.

The Indiana Jones Connection

Interestingly, the opening sequence of Temple of Doom also subtly references the Indiana Jones line. When Indiana Jones (played by Kurt Russell) tells Lao Che, “I suggest you give me what you owe me or anything goes,” the reference to the opening sequence and its wild, fantastical nature is clear. This line hints at the adventurous and unpredictable nature of the film, setting the stage for the peril and excitement that follows.

This blend of action, dance, and suspense sets the audience's expectations for the rest of the film. The audience is prepared for an intense and fantastical adventure, one that is not meant to be taken literally but rather to be enjoyed for its grandeur and spectacle.

Steven Spielberg's Temple of Doom uses the musical sequence not just as a decorative element, but as a pivotal tool to establish the film's tone and world. The Busby Berkeley-style routine serves as a gateway to a world of adventure, excitement, and hyperbolic action, making Temple of Doom a unique and memorable entry in the Indiana Jones series.