Published on January 26th, 2025 | by Tory Favro
Indiana Jones and Raiders of the Lost Ark with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at Plenary Theatre @MSO
Summary: One of the best movies of all time brought to life by the amazing MSO. What more could you ask for?
5
AMAZING
The Plenary Theater in Melbourne came alive last night with the sounds of laughter, cheering, and booing. The screening of Indiana Jones and The Raiders of the Lost Ark was accompanied by a live performance of the soundtrack by none other than the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO). It was a spectacular experience.
If you’ve never witnessed anything like this before, I strongly encourage you to seize the opportunity. Not only do you get to enjoy the movie on a grand scale, but you also have the unique privilege of watching the orchestra bring John Williams’ magical soundtrack to life. This remarkable ensemble played through the entire film in real time, under the masterful direction of Benjamin Northey, who charmed the audience with a bullwhip and fedora.
The film was shown in two parts, with an intermission providing a breather, reminiscent of the “old days.” The packed theater cheered for the heroes, booed the villains, and laughed at every single on-screen demise. This was such an immersive experience that you couldn’t help but get swept up in the excitement. In an age where cinema audiences rarely clap or react, it was refreshing to see the entire house captivated by the sights and sounds.
Raiders of the Lost Ark is a masterpiece from start to finish, with Harrison Ford delivering a riveting performance as Indiana Jones, arguably the greatest action hero ever to grace the screen. Set during the events leading up to and during World War II, Indy embarks on a quest to find the legendary Ark of the Covenant, rumored to contain the remnants of the Ten Commandments. What ensues is a whirlwind adventure through jungles, deserts, and oceans, with a pace that leaves you breathless. Experiencing this movie with the MSO’s live accompaniment highlights the importance of the music as a character in itself and underscores the brilliance of John Williams’ visionary compositions. This gentleman has undoubtedly brought many films to life, creating iconic scores that will be hummed by generations to come.
The Plenary Theater is the perfect venue for such an event, with excellent visibility from any seat. The top-notch acoustics draw you into the darkness as the movie plays high overhead on the big screen, and the MSO stuns you with their performance on stage. Watching the soundtrack being played live never gets old and is never taken for granted.
I felt truly privileged to review both the movie and the performance. I urge you to attend such an event if possible. It is a true spectacle that you will be discussing for some time to come. To quote the movie, “It’s beautiful.”