The 1980s’ ‘Indiana Jonesploitation’ Movies Show How Imitation Can Become Its Own Art Form

The 1980s’ ‘Indiana Jonesploitation’ Movies Show How Imitation Can Become Its Own Art Form

In 1981, Italian genre specialist Antonio Margheriti saw Steven Spielberg‘s “Raiders of the Lost Ark” for the first time; depending on who’s telling the story, it was either while Margheriti was visiting Los Angeles on business or at the Venice Film Festival. Either way, the movie’s effect on Margheriti was undeniable and inspired swift action — four months after he saw and loved “Raiders,” the director was on location in the Philippines shootin…