An adventure 65 million years in the making.

Computer animated effects was not a new thing in 1992 when Steven Spielberg started shooting this film. The Beauty and the Beast (1991) had certain parts of its animation done in a computer with very smooth but discreet results. Terminator 2 (1991) also employed the technology and wowed audiences. But that was nothing compared to the phenomenon that was Jurassic Park. Suddenly, computer animation showed how a creature that had been extinct for 65 million years could be brought back and look as real as you and me.

The film is made by the same Spielberg who once made Jaws, not the guy who would go on and direct Schindler’s List. This is Spielberg at his most childish and playful; it’s a glorious adventure film. We’re introduced to paleontologist Alan Grant (Sam Neill) and paleobotanist Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern) who are whisked away from their site in Montana by their financier, grandfatherly billionaire John Hammond (Richard Attenborough). He takes them to an island off the coast of Costa Rica; Hammond recently purchased the island with the intention of turning it into an amusement park. Not any kind of amusement park, though. Using the DNA from dinosaurs that’s been preserved inside mosquitos that subsequently got stuck in amber, Hammond’s scientists have managed to do the impossible and create real dinosaurs. Now, he has an entire island full of the creatures, including a T rex, and is preparing to open the Jurassic Park. Alan and Ellie are absolutely thrilled to see the animals, but quickly realize that the island is a dangerous idea. Even more skeptical is another visitor, mathematician Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum), who explains to Hammond that his attempts to control life, to manipulate nature, is useless because life will always find a way to prosper on its own. As the group embarks on a tour through the park, together with Hammond’s two grandkids, the technology breaks down and the T rex wreaks havoc. Now, the survivors must make it on their own in a place with animals that weren’t meant to hang with humans.

There’s an obvious message here, kids. Respect nature and the evolution. Vanity and greed is what creates Jurassic Park and it is what destroys it. Actually, the character of John Hammond is the most interesting. He is a kind man who wants to do something good with his money, something that will benefit others. But he is also greedy and quite possibly not altogether sane; he tosses aside any notion of responsibility and can’t see any reason why he shouldn’t go ahead with the idea, which is essentially one of the craziest ever hatched. Mr. Attenborough is very good at combining these two sides of the character. I should also add that Mr. Neill and Ms. Dern are exceptionally likeable as the leads, the kids are perfectly tolerable and Mr. Goldblum is great fun as the mathematician who should have heeded his own advice and left the island as soon as he heard about its novel theme park concept. Wayne Knight is also amusing as the annoying traitor. John Williams has written a rousing adventure score as only he can, with a very memorable main theme. The music goes very well with some of Mr. Spielberg’s most exciting action sequences. Scenes worthy of recognition is the superbly crafted first sequence with the T rex, and the scene in the kitchen with the raptors.

14 years after the premiere, the dinosaurs still look amazing. Who cares if the science is not exactly believable? Credibility is not what makes Jaws and Jurassic Park such fine popcorn entertainment.

The YouTube clip shows the trailer.

Jurassic Park 1993-U.S. 125 min. Color. Produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Gerald R. Molen. Directed by Steven Spielberg. Screenplay: Michael Crichton, David Koepp. Novel: Michael Crichton. Music: John Williams. Visual Effects: Dennis Muren, Stan Winston, Phil Tippett, and others. Cast: Sam Neill (Alan Grant), Laura Dern (Ellie Sattler), Jeff Goldblum (Ian Malcolm), Richard Attenborough (John Hammond), Bob Peck, Martin Ferrero… Samuel L. Jackson.

Trivia: Harrison Ford and William Hurt were allegedly considered for the part of Grant; Juliette Binoche as Ellie. Followed by two sequels, starting with The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997).

Oscars: Best Visual Effects, Sound, Sound Effects Editing. BAFTA: Best Special Effects.

Quote: “God creates dinosaurs. God destroys dinosaurs. God creates man. Man destroys God. Man creates dinosaurs.” (Mr. Goldblum)

Published 2007-01-30 04:46