Old Indiana Jones and Avoiding Disillusionment

In a recent interview, Harrison Ford discussed how it was necessary to reflect Indiana Jones' old age in his latest adventure, The Dial of Destiny. Ford then described how that goal made the legendary character more jaded and disillusioned. His tone communicated that he truly believed there was no other way to portray an 80-year-old man. I found this disheartening to say the least. (Here’s a link to the full interview, the relevant section is from 1:15-2:15)

Let’s take a closer look at the dictionary definition of disillusioned, because I think it’s helpful:

dis·il·lu·sioned | ˌdisəˈlo͞oZHənd | Adjective

disappointed in someone or something that one discovers to be less good than one had believed

This isn’t the first time the Disney-run Lucasfilm has come to the same conclusion while revisiting aged characters. When Luke Skywalker returned to the big screen in the Star Wars sequels, the writers gave him a similar makeup, upsetting millions of fans across the globe.

So what’s the deal? Is Hollywood just being honest while the fans only want to see their wish fulfillment of an overly idealized hero on the big screen?

I think there’s something else going on. Even outside of Hollywood, people chase after the false idols that stardom promises—fame, money, power…the list goes on. And I believe what we’re seeing in Ford’s comments is the inevitable outcome at the end of a life of chasing these false idols. As that youthful feeling of invincibility wanes, we become aware that fame, money, power, etc. will not prevent death or offer any meaning to life. Cue the disillusionment.

It reminds me of a passage from Psalm 135, particularly the last verse:

The idols of the nations are silver and gold,

    the work of human hands.

They have mouths, but do not speak;

    they have eyes, but do not see;

they have ears, but do not hear,

    nor is there any breath in their mouths.

Those who make them become like them,

    so do all who trust in them.

—Psalm 135:15-18

So Hollywood’s stereotypical old man is an honest critique of their own worldview. But the audience is right to desire something greater because there is something greater. Chasing after false idols is not the only way to live life.

I grew up in an environment where the vast majority of elderly men were not disillusioned or jaded. They weren’t big Hollywood stars, but more importantly, they hadn’t placed their identity in their own accomplishments. They were the men in my church who placed their identity in Christ instead of chasing the temporary things in this life which will fade away.

Among these men, the one I had the greatest pleasure of knowing was my grandfather, whom I called Pop-Pop. In his later years, he suffered from dementia, often not remembering who I was. But he did remember hymns and psalms and he had a great sense of joy within. Because no matter what he could or couldn’t remember, he clung to his deepest identity—his identity in Christ. This showed clearly in all of his interactions. Here was a man who by Harrison Ford’s understanding should be in deep distress. And while there were difficult times for my grandfather to face, he was not jaded or disillusioned—he was loving, sincere, and grateful. I saw this firsthand both when he was struggling, but also throughout my entire life. Having his priorities straight enabled him to live a fulfilling life that wasn’t about himself but instead about serving others in light of what Christ did for him. This brought enduring meaning to every aspect of his life, from his workplace to his family.

When we’re tempted to pine after the material things in our lives, let us remember that it is all in vain if our priorities are not straight. Whether we are a famous actor or a stay-at-home mom, we cannot have true hope unless it is built on Christ. That hope reminds us of our true citizenship in God’s kingdom, but it also leads us to live more meaningful lives today, serving others in light of Christ’s sacrifice for us instead of serving ourselves and false idols.

When we’re tempted to pine after the material things in our lives, let us remember that it is all in vain if our priorities are not straight. Whether we are a famous actor or a stay-at-home mom, we cannot have true hope unless it is built on Christ. That hope reminds us of our true citizenship in God’s kingdom, but it also leads us to live more meaningful lives today, serving others in light of Christ’s sacrifice for us instead of serving ourselves and false idols.

We all find inspiration in things outside of ourselves. As a kid I often looked to celebrities like Harrison Ford as an ideal. I don’t think all worldly inspiration is wrong, but we have to understand how to put everything in its proper place. As time marches on I see clearly that the world’s false idols do not endure or satisfy.

So where should I look instead? Not just to my Pop-Pop and the others at my church, but to the one they ran toward, the only one worthy of modeling our lives after, the one who lived a perfect life and rescued us from our own imperfection, including our proclivity to chase after idols. As I become more disillusioned to the false promises of this world, I rejoice to know that God’s perfect promises are fulfilled in Jesus. I choose to trust in Him.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

—Hebrews 12: 1-3