Director: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Jeff Goldblum, Laura Dern and Richard Attenborough
‘A Dazzling Dinosaur Classic’
Dinosaurs are terrifying creatures which have always scared me. Ever since I was a child, I’ve often had a fear of dinosaurs. As far back as I can remember, I’ve feared dinosaurs. With their sharp jaws, larger-than-life figures and pitiless eyes, dinosaurs have often frightened me. Although I’m well aware that they don’t exist in the real world today, dinosaurs remain a source of fear that gives me a nightmare. I have never been able to get over recover from this lifelong fear of dinosaurs. My fear of dinosaurs comes from seeing movies which portray the creatures in ways that are scary. It all started when I saw the famous movie “Jurassic Park” for the first time.
When it comes to the greatest films ever made about dinosaurs with a spark, it’s worth talking about “Jurassic Park”. Released back in 1993, Steven Spielberg’s groundbreaking movie had a huge impact on the film industry. It was the first time that dinosaurs were ever seen on the big-screen. A landmark achievement for special effects in Hollywood, “Jurassic Park” forever changed the film industry through its introduction of dinosaurs with a spark. Through innovative special effects, Spielberg brought dinosaurs to vivid life. Boasting stunning visual effects, sharp storytelling and amazing acting, it’s one of the best movies ever made about dinosaurs. Its huge box-office success suggested that movies about dinosaurs could attract audiences towards theatres. Almost 30 years after the film first roared into theatres, it remains a classic that captures why we are so afraid of larger-than-life dinosaurs causing disasters.
“Jurassic Park” tells the story about a team of scientists embarking on adventures to inspect a dinosaur theme park. Sam Neill embodies Dr. Alan Grant, a palaeontologist with lifelong love for investigating ancient artifacts. Assisted by Dr. Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern), Dr. Grant embarks on an exciting adventure to inspect a dinosaur theme park. Grant marvels at astonishment at the sight of dinosaurs in the park. However, when dinosaurs cause disaster seeking to escape the scientists’ lives are put in grave danger. Faced with a dark dilemma. Grant questions whether his family would be able to survive dangerous dinosaurs in the park.
Steven Spielberg has always been fascinated with creatures which have sharp jaws. Before he made “Jurassic Park”, Spielberg was well-known for making the blockbuster “Jaws”. With “Jurassic Park”, however, Spielberg crafted his first dinosaur blockbuster. It was the filmmaker’s first ever attempt to bring dinosaurs to the big-screen, but he pulled it off. Through stunning cinematography, Spielberg captures a team of palaeontologists on a journey to investigate a park of dinosaurs. Spielberg effectively uses the Spielberg face technique that captures a team’s reaction of awe to dinosaurs. One of the most common trademarks that Spielberg uses in films is the Spielberg face. This technique involves focusing on a character’s reaction of astonishment, wonder or shock to something. In this case, Spielberg expertly uses the visual technique to capture a team marvelling at gorgeous sights of dinosaurs. Using stunning visuals, Spielberg creates dinosaurs that are awe-inspiring.
Another admirable aspect of “Jurassic Park” worth discussing is the visual effects. For a film made in the 1990’s, the movie’s effects have aged effectively. Spielberg successfully uses CGI to create realistic dinosaurs which pose catastrophe. For instance, CGI elevates the T-Rex scene. During this frightening scene, a dangerous T-Rex escaping poses a threat to scientists that are nerve-wracking. One can’t help but marvel in astonishment at the CGI bringing to life dazzling dinosaurs. It was way ahead of its time and represented a huge step forward for effects. Moreover, another aspect of “Jurassic Park” that I absolutely adore is the musical score. John Williams’ music is intense, gripping and suspenseful. It captures the awe of seeing dinosaurs on the big-screen for the first time. Through awe-inspiring special effects, Spielberg crafts an engaging theme park.
Amidst the thrilling special effects, “Jurassic Park” finds time to tell a compelling story. Storytelling is one of the key reasons why the movie remains a classic which is roaring. Michael Crichton’s screenwriting strength is creating a compelling world of dinosaurs by exposition. Throughout the movie, Spielberg uses clever exposition to explain concepts of dinosaurs. For instance, exposition enhances the scene where the scientists discover implications of opening a dinosaur park. Through this clever exposition, Spielberg creates larger-than-life characters whom audiences can easily relate to. Exposition is a tricky technique. When used excessively, it can be a distracting diversion in most movies. However, it worked immensely in this movie. Unlike most films about dinosaurs, “Jurassic Park” finds the perfect balance between action and storytelling. Through a spectacular screenplay, Spielberg made a dinosaur classic that remains compelling today.
One admires astonishing performances.
Sam Neill delivers one of his greatest career performances as Alan Grant. Before making “Jurassic Park”, Neill had never starred in a major Hollywood movie. It was the actor’s firs foray into the dinosaur genre. It isn’t easy to portray a scientist investigating a dinosaur theme park but he succeeded. With riveting expressions, he conveys the curiosity, determination and astonishment of a skilled palaeontologist fascinated by dinosaurs. It’s a star-making performance that launched the career of one of the world’s most underrated actors today.
The supporting cast is spectacular and builds sharp bonds together. Laura Dern is dazzling, bringing charisma to a female scientist facing a dilemma when she discovers dinosaurs that she adores have the potential to cause trauma. Jeff Goldblum is great, bringing humor to a comical mathematician that enjoys cracking jokes in a theme park where life-threatening dinosaurs loom. Lastly, Richard Attenborough deserves appreciation. As the world-weary creator of the dinosaur theme park, he brings gravitas to the movie.
Finally, “Jurassic Park’ will earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing dinosaurs with a spark. Unlike most movies about man-eating dinosaurs, it’s one of those rare movies which everyone would relate to. It tackles universal themes including animal abuse, greed and survival which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be massive fans of dinosaurs to appreciate the movie. It delivers a universal message about traumatic disasters with which everyone would engage. Therefore, “Jurassic Park” is one of those rare movies about dinosaurs everyone would adore.
Fans of dinosaur blockbusters would definitely enjoy “Jurassic Park” and so will movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment.
Nearly 30 years following the release of an iconic blockbuster about palaeontologists investigating a dinosaur theme park putting lives in grave danger, it’s a roaring reminder of a classic film that forever changed the world through its groundbreaking depiction of dangerous creatures creating unbearable terror created through awe-inspiring special effects leaving behind an indelible legacy that has built a huge fan following contributing towards greater interests in commemorated dinosaurs that I will forever treasure.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 
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