Monday, November 8, 2021

Raiders Of The Lost Ark: The Ark Ghost

Still one of the coolest special effects moments in cinema to this guy: the Ark of the Covenant is finally opened...  and ghosts appear.




Ghosts that make your head:
1. Melt
2. Implode
3. Explode

A while ago, I came across a neat ghost prop image online and clicked on it.  I was surprised to see a mention beneath the image that this prop was created for RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK.  I had no real memory of seeing it in the film, yet naturally I figured it was used for the above image, as it was the only close-up ghost shown in the film.  

Here are the photos:



















Then I recognized some features and realized that this prop was indeed the Ark Ghost that melted the face of Nazi Major Arnold Toht (that's legit his name - I just looked it up two minutes ago [I had NO clue]).  The prop was buried under layers of special effects.  The end result is still beautiful.  And knowing that prop is a part of that scene is really cool to ponder.

So I had this grand notion that I would build a prop that looked like the above and then somehow create a pulley system (like the old days at my parents' house) where I would have this Ghost swoop down towards the sidewalk, and then get reeled back up to the window (Ark) from which she came (it's totally a she).

Naturally this concept turned into her just hanging behind some cornstalks, and glowing.   As kids came up for candy, they were focused on the Samhain pumpkin-head prop.  Then on Myers handing out candy.  THEN as they turned to leave, they would see the Ark Ghost (no one melted).

This was a fun prop to build.  And one of these days she might actually reappear and swoop down to the sidewalk.  Oh, to see that thing coming out of the darkness.




17 comments:

Adam said...

Nothing good ever comes from opening ancient relics.

Rot said...

Totally haha

Adam said...

Especially if you’re a Nazi seeking treasures…

Tworivers said...

Yea ancient relics should prolly be left as they are....just ask Howard Carter and Lord Canarvon....

Rot said...

on other planets, ancient relics are actually pretty good... TOTAL RECALL comes to mind.

Lady M said...

She would be great animated although she looks pretty cool just blowing in the breeze too.

Rot said...

Hey, thanks.
She looked nice on Halloween night whenever the wind picked up. There were times where the fog rose around her and that looked pretty neat.

Willow Cove said...

I was wondering how she was supported. By a rod below or strings above. So cool that you based it on the movie scene. I used to play that scene on the VHS back and forth hundreds of times, wearing out my tape. trying to deduce how they did it. Well done. I still remember your poltergeist ghost. That was impressive!

Rot said...

22 gauge wire, the green kind they sell at Michael's. Stuff is everywhere in my Haunt. Strong as hell. ONE wire is holding her up. Just one. I didn't want it to be too visible.

Nebulosus said...

She's magnificent.

Rot said...

Thanks!

Mike C(JASONV123) said...

Really nice Rot, great attention to detail!! Love it

Rot said...

Thanks!

Willow Cove said...

Next year I’d like to attempt to have fog seep thru a porous ghost prop to give that look of otherworldly mist. Will definitely have to experiment!

Rot said...

i use an irrigation tube hidden to the right of the pumpkins that runs the full length of the porch. The fog stays in there and slowly creeps out, even when my old fogger is taking a long annoying break. I bet a smaller plastic tube with holes cut into it and the end plugged up would do the trick.

ShellHawk said...

Psst... I might know a guy...

Tjalgahorn said...

She scared me to death as a kid haha. A very cool basis for a prop, yours turned out great. I'm a sucker for behind-the-scenes stuff and movie history, so thanks for sharing these cool prop photos