I started on a KOTCS edit a while back and ended up boring myself with it at around the time the get to the Conquistador Tomb. I abandonned it and have started from scratch again. I’ve recently come to the conclusion that the big problem isn’t all the little irritations like CGI goffers it’s the huge 47 minute part of the film between escaping Roswell and the quick sand. This whole part is devoted almost entirely to explaining the massively convoluted plot. But I only just realised this because all the exposition is broken up by moving from place to place and having a diverting Motorcycle chase in the middle. The opening and closing of the film are fine pace wise (They have other problems obviously).

I’ve decided I’m going to cut from Indy escaping on the rocketsled straight to Mutt finding him on the train. This eliminates the whole CIA-think-Indy-is-a-communist/back-at-college-only-to-be-fired subplot. We never meet Jim Broadbent’s Brody clone but that’s no great loss. The implication will be Indy is catching a Train back from New Mexico… simple. Next I’ll be removing the Sanitorium scene and just have Indy and Mutt go straight to the Tombs. This will eliminate a good ten minutes for starters.

But I want to take out so much more bringing the 47 minutes down to something closer to 20-25. Problem is the plot is so confusing that I’m struggling to understand it. Obviously understanding it entirely is neccasary to know what can be cut. So, can anybody explain the what happens and what is described in the 47 minutes between Roswell and the quicksand?

Thanks for the help Lucas fans! and here is a little colour test I did to try make the film look less hideous…

(^Click to play video)

btw Any other suggestions, questions or wishes for this edit are welcome.