Probably the most iconic shot on the list, Spielberg's decision to fade the Paramount logo into that of some South American mountain achieves two things. First of all, it ties Raiders of the Lost Ark into the old serials it plays homage to by referencing the classic Hollywood studio system up front. The knowing fade also allows the film to recognise one important thing from the outset: it's just a movie. For a blockbuster about Nazis on the hunt for a biblical superweapon, it's important not to take things too seriously. But for those who appreciate art for art's sake, the transition itself just looks damn cool. It's Spielberg at his most inventive and tongue-in-cheek, signalling the beginning of possibly his most imaginative and light-hearted film.
Lover of film, writer of words, pretentious beyond belief. Thinks Scorsese and Kubrick are the kings of cinema, but PT Anderson and David Fincher are the dashing young princes. Follow Brogan on twitter if you can take shameless self-promotion: @BroganMorris1
