How Steven Spielberg’s ‘Jurassic Park’ Revolutionized Filmmaking in Australia and Beyond?

Steven Spielberg’s ‘Jurassic Park’: A Pioneer in Film Industry

Steven Spielberg’s ‘Jurassic Park’ was released in 1993, and it has revolutionized the film industry, especially in terms of special effects and blockbuster adventure. With its incredible premise of bringing extinct dinosaurs back to life, the film offers not only an enjoyable “monster flick” but also a deep philosophical discussion about genetic engineering, humanity’s hubris, and the corporate world’s greed. Based on Michael Crichton’s novel of the same name, ‘Jurassic Park’ tells the story of a successful resurrection of dinosaurs in a remote island for theme park purposes. However, things go wrong when the once-extinct creatures break out of their enclosures and threaten the lives of the visitors, highlighting the ethical concerns of cloning and the limitations of human technology.

A Lesson on Humanity’s Hubris

Although the premise of the story itself is already intriguing, what makes ‘Jurassic Park’ a masterpiece is how it delves into humanity’s hubris in playing God. John Hammond’s (Richard Attenborough) vision of recreating dinosaurs becomes a reality, but he fails to acknowledge the limits of his human knowledge and resources to control them. It is a metaphor for the dangers of tinkering with the natural scheme of things without an understanding of the consequences. Even Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum), the chaos theory mathematician, warns about the flawed premise of the theme park. As he states, “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.”

The “Realness” of the Characters and Its Impact

Apart from the visual and technical achievements of ‘Jurassic Park,’ the film’s equally impressive aspect is how it creates a whole ecosystem of the park’s inhabitants, visitors, and staff, each with their own personalities and flaws. From the greedy computer programmer, Dennis Nedry (Wayne Knight), to the game warden, Muldoon (Bob Peck), the characters’ depth and realism make the audience genuinely care about their survival. Furthermore, the inclusion of Hammond’s grandchildren, Tim and Lex (Joseph Mazzello and Ariana Richards, respectively), gives the film a human touch, making the stakes higher despite being surrounded by giant creatures.

The Impact of ‘Jurassic Park’ in Film Industry

‘Jurassic Park’ has undoubtedly left a significant impact on the film industry, particularly in terms of special effects and its ability to combine blockbuster entertainment with philosophical depth. The use of advanced visual effects technology that combined animatronics and CGI made the dinosaurs as realistic as possible, and the epic score by John Williams elevates the film’s tension and drama. Spielberg’s skills in blending action, suspense, humor, and heartwarming moments have set the standard for adventure films, making ‘Jurassic Park’ a timeless classic and a benchmark for modern-day blockbusters.

Final Thoughts and Advice

In conclusion, ‘Jurassic Park’ is a cinematic masterpiece that has set the bar high for adventure films and the entire film industry. Its themes of humanity’s hubris and the ethical implications of genetic engineering are still relevant today, and its ability to balance entertainment and philosophical depth is commendable. For aspiring filmmakers, ‘Jurassic Park’ is an excellent example of using a fantastic premise and pushing it further by exploring the characters’ realism and depth. In summary, Spielberg’s masterpiece is a must-watch film that will unquestionably entertain and make you reflect on the consequences of playing God.