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I ended up watching "Atlantis: The Lost Empire", which is fascinating when examined with a critical eye. Something I really focused on was this consistent and prominent theme

of Western power vs. foreign power (in addition to how archaeology is stereotyped, of course), and how weak other powers are in comparison to the Western world, namely, the United States. For example, the movie explicity states that the main character, Milo Thatcher, is an assistant at an American museum in Washington D.C., and his crew of archaeologists is assembled in America (although they tried to save face for this by giving the crew exotic/foreign names, ie. Vincenzo Santorini). Nearly 30 minutes into the movie, after meeting this American crew, the "Atlantians" as they are so called state that "if these outsiders [Americans] can unlock the secrets of our past, perhaps we can save our future". Already there is a dependence on Western powers as the Atlantian powers are rendered useless and incapable of saving their own civilization. There are other instances, but perhaps that is something to speak about in my paper.

Here is a brief overview of my notes. It's funny, but the archaeologists portrayed in the film actually were wearing boots, wide brimmed hats, and khaki clothing. Perhaps some hint of facial hair or broad chests with hair.

Atlantis Movie Notes

- opening scene (flashback) - hierarchy already established (Your Highness)

+ blue dramatic lights emphasize water theme of Atlantis

+ foreign names + dress

+ weird flying contraptions, advanced technology

+ dramatic, watery "end" to Atlantis

- Washington D.C. 1914

- Milo Thatch - main character. wire rimmed glasses, khaki colored clothing, "nutty professor" type of personality, young.

+ speaking to fake audience, enhances sense of nuttiness

+ cartographer and linguist

- Egypt already mentioned, picture of Sphinx and pyramids.

- mission already established: find Atlantis and bring its power source up.

- photo of young Milo with grandfather - grandfather as explorer hat, spectacles, facial hair, khaki clothing

- setting - museum with bones (typical)

- museum owner's disbelief/lack of trust in archaeological legends/myths

+ chasing fairy tales

+ "expedition" mentioned

- Helga Sinclair - romantic/mysterious character. Employer is a mysterious Mr. Whitmore.

+ offered undercover job

- The Shepherds Journal - key to finding lost continent of Atlantis

- Crew - Gautan Moliere (geology + excavation), Vincenzo Santorini (explosives + demolition, busted out of prison), Audrey Ramirez (chief mechanic)

+ eccentric characters

- travel in high tech ship (contrary to articles read, milo + crew have all advanced technologies on their journey)

- "whiskey" already mentioned - drinking factor

- adventurous music accompanies the entire film

...

There are more, but the beginning of the movie really captured so many archaeological stereotypes wonderfully. The rest of the movie is a whirl of adventure, suspense, romance, and betrayal. All in the life of an archaeologist, of course!