A real-life Indiana Jones still dresses like his idol - but says archeology is not what it used to be. Julian Collinson, 23, has revealed the difference in his job as an archaeologist and that of fictional explorer Indiana Jones ahead of the character’s latest film.
He has been working with Cotswold Archaeology for two years having studied the topic at university. Alongside his studies, he has also taken part in research digs at world heritage sites across Gibraltar as well as cosplaying as his favourite fictional archaeologist, Indiana Jones.
Ahead of the latest film’s release this week, Julian, of Swindon, spoke about the differences between real-life archaeology and what we see on the big screen. He said: “Indiana Jones has a very old method of going and taking what’s there to bring it back for a museum whereas what I do it very different.
“Commercial archaeology is trying to excavate in a quick manner to ensure any development such as housing can be implemented without damaging the archaeology. In a nutshell, it is about preserving what is there before it is taken down.”
Julian first became interested in the subject from spending time with his late father Charles. "I have been interested in archaeology as early as I can remember,” he added.
“My father used to watch documentaries about Egyptology and classic civilisations which is what got me into it to begin with.”
Julian’s interest in the Indiana Jones franchise does not stop at a professional capacity though with the young archaeologist also taking to the wardrobe. “I take part in cosplays where I will dress up as characters at Comic-Con events,” he said.
“The last one I went to was MCM Comic-Con London where I met two actors from the third Indiana Jones film. Indiana Jones has always been a favourite series of films for me so I of course enjoy dressing up as that particular character.
“Using my 3D printer I have made props including the Holy Grail and the golden statue from the opening scene of the Raiders of the Lost Ark. This took 50 hours today from printing to sanding and painting”.
Despite being a big fan of the franchise, Julian still does not know what to expect from the latest instalment. "I have mixed feelings towards the new Indiana Jones film as I love the franchise but I feel the creators should do something different.
“I believe this movie is just being used to make a new franchise with a new actress whereas if that’s what they wanted, they didn’t have to recall Harrison Ford for this.”
