By Michael Lyons
“It’s a white knuckle thrill ride!”
How many times have we seen that quote from a critic splashed across a movie poster? Usually it’s hyperbole. Few movies truly are a “white knuckle thrill ride.”
“Jurassic Park” is.
Director Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of author Michael Crichton’s novel is the beloved blockbuster it deserved to be. The story, of course, centers on a billionaire who joins forces with scientists to create a theme park where genetically re-created dinosaurs are on display...until something goes wrong.
“Jurassic Park” perfectly captures the feeling of actually being there with the characters, through efficient storytelling and (then) cutting edge technology that recreates the feeling of being on a theme park attraction. The audience is “strapped in” when the opening Universal logo appears and we exit, weary, but giddy from the ride, when the closing credits role.
It’s no wonder that many count “Jurassic Park” as one of their favorite films and its become one of maestro Spielberg’s most talked about movies.
With the film marking its 25th anniversary this month and the fifth entry in the franchise, “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” poised to stomp competition at the box-office this weekend, it’s the perfect time to look back and celebrate “Jurassic Park.”
One of the things that makes the film so memorable and re-watchable is just how “Spielberg” this Steven Spielberg film is. There are countless scenes in “Jurassic Park” that could’ve only been crafted by him. From the ominous opening scene, where a Park employee is attacked by an unseen, caged Raptor to Paleontologist Allen Grant’s awed reaction upon seeing a dinosaur for the first time to the ripple in a cup of water from the impact of an approaching T-Rex , this is moviemaking at its finest, crafted by someone who loves movies.
Bringing all of this to life is a Cast who have now become so immediately associated with their roles, it’s difficult to see anyone else in them. As Dr. Grant, Sam Neill is a perfect, socially awkward hero; Jeff Goldblum brings so much of himself to the role of Dr. Ian Malcom that the “rock star” scientist has become one of movie’s most unique characters; as Ellie Sattler, Laura Dean brings strength to this resourceful heroine; Richard Attenborough as the kindly John Hammond is the most likable, misguided philanthropist ever and as his grandkids, Lex and Tim, Ariana Richards and Joseph Mazzello deliver powerhouse performances (their reactions during the T-Rex attack sequence make it even more frightening). Rounding out the cast in supporting roles is a parade of reliable character actors like B.D. Wong, Wayne Knight, Martin Ferraro, Bob Peck and none other than Samuel L. Jackson in one of his first major films.
The real stars of “Jurassic Park” are, without a doubt, the dinosaurs. Combining practical puppet and animatronic effects, alongside side what was an emerging technology of computer animation, dinosaurs came alive on screen as they had never before. Effects wizards Dennis Muren, Phil Tippett and Stan Winston are just a few responsible for such scenes as the jaw-dropping first shot of a brachiosaurus stomping through an open field; the heart pounding (and seemingly never ending) T-Rex attack and the chilling confrontation with Raptors in the kitchen.
“Jurassic Park” opened on June 11, 1993 amid incredible excitement and anticipation. The film shattered box-office records, going on to gross over $900 million dollars in its initial run.
It was also a landmark film. Just as Spielberg’s own “Jaws” was the flashpoint for the summer blockbuster, “Jurassic World” became the template for the summer “event film” (a movie so heavily marketed and hyped beforehand that seeing it was much more than going to the movie theater, it was an “event”). Similar “event films” followed for the rest of the ‘90’s, but few matched “Jurassic Park” as an unforgettable movie going experience.
The legacy of the film continues like an “impact tremor” to this day. In addition to all of the adrenaline in the film, Michael Chrichton, who adapted his own novel with David Koepp, crafted a screenplay that also manages to express messages around man vs. nature and the dangers of technology.
One of the many reasons why “Jurassic Park” is still watched, discussed, reminisced about and remembered 25 years later. Oh, and don’t forget...it’s a while knuckle thrill ride!
Sources:
Wikipedia
As usual you nailed. It was a very enjoyable night at the movies.it reminded one that certain pictures have to be seen in a theater and this is certainly one.
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