Jurassic Park - Using Theme to Craft Character

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 มิ.ย. 2018
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    Jurassic Park is a great example of how theme can be used to design a cohesive and powerful story. Author Michael Crichton and screenwriter David Koepp use the theme as the DNA of the story, creating interesting characters with opposing viewpoints that explore the question at the heart of the film: Is everything we call “progress” actually progress?
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  • @LessonsfromtheScreenplay
    @LessonsfromtheScreenplay  6 ปีที่แล้ว +506

    Did anybody else have *all* the Jurassic Park toys?! Which was your favorite? (The T-Rex was mine, obviously)

    • @BreakingBanter
      @BreakingBanter 6 ปีที่แล้ว +19

      Lessons from the Screenplay I had a giant remote control T-Rex. It barely worked, but hey, I still had a giant T-Rex

    • @LessonsfromtheScreenplay
      @LessonsfromtheScreenplay  6 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      That's awesome!

    • @LessonsfromtheScreenplay
      @LessonsfromtheScreenplay  6 ปีที่แล้ว +49

      I had the "Young T-rex" toy, and buried it in the sand at the beach so I could dig it up like Alan Grant...but forgot where I buried it and never saw it again. 😭

    • @SetchDreskar
      @SetchDreskar 6 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      Had all the toys, two visitor center playsets, the jeeps, all of them and my favorite was the rubberized t-rex the one that actually had a chunk you could take out to show 'battle damage' on it!

    • @BreakingBanter
      @BreakingBanter 6 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Man I buried some in the backyard to do the same but then my dad poured a concrete slab for a retaining wall over them and now they're gone forever 😂

  • @adamcortens4781
    @adamcortens4781 6 ปีที่แล้ว +76

    Can I just say that Attenborough's performance in this movie is seriously underrated? Hammond is actually a pretty complicated character and he pulls it off beautifully. The ice cream scene you highlighted in particular, the way his face changes near the end, the light goes out of his eyes... it's heartbreaking and beautifully understated. He conveys so much in just a few seconds without saying a word.

    • @vladimirhorowitz
      @vladimirhorowitz 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Definitely could've gotten a supporting actor nod, although it was a tough year. Ralph Fiennes got robbed by Tommy Lee Jones that year.

  • @lizzam
    @lizzam 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1268

    Coincidentally, the clash between old and new also happen in the actual making of the movie. Initially Spielberg has tasked Phil TIppet's stop motion team to animate the dinosaurs. then ILM came in with the suggestion to use CGI. I believe it was during the demonstration of the CGI dinosaurs that Phil (or someone in his team) said "we're extinct". That line was used in the movie by Dr Malcolm.

    • @LessonsfromtheScreenplay
      @LessonsfromtheScreenplay  6 ปีที่แล้ว +100

      Yeah!!

    • @iandavid7730
      @iandavid7730 6 ปีที่แล้ว +78

      Lizzam, if you listen closely you can hear the distant sound of a certain someone banging his head against a desk, muttering 'how did I miss that?!?! How did I miss that!?!'. Excellent comment.

    • @doctorhandsome
      @doctorhandsome 6 ปีที่แล้ว +49

      And then Tippet was kept on as "Dinosaur Supervisor," leading to a bevy of "You had one job, Phil!" memes.

    • @jamietigges2154
      @jamietigges2154 5 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      I still think good ole animatronics are much better than the flashy CGI we get in movies today.

    • @Leto85
      @Leto85 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Nonsense, they should have used cardboard cutouts for the dinosaurs instead, in black and white.

  • @grimlore3431
    @grimlore3431 6 ปีที่แล้ว +355

    “The book has a much darker tone” thats an understatement Michael lolol

    • @jonhlennon312
      @jonhlennon312 6 ปีที่แล้ว +64

      I watched the movie several times through my childhood, when I was able to buy the book, it's a whole different roller coaster. The deep core of it is the same, but some characters, specially Hammond, are as different like the day and the night, not to mention that the raptors are more stalkers than depicted on the movie.

    • @cabrondemente1
      @cabrondemente1 5 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      I wouldn't call it darker, more serious maybe. There's a lot more adventures in the book that keep it light hearted like going into the raptor nest or the infamous boat sequence.

    • @alphasierra.
      @alphasierra. 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I had my first nightmare (kinda) after reading it.

  • @joefilmco
    @joefilmco 6 ปีที่แล้ว +259

    You spared no expense

  • @MicoDossun
    @MicoDossun 6 ปีที่แล้ว +634

    I'm glad you made sure to include Jeff Goldblum's weird ass laugh

    • @cicadadefender
      @cicadadefender 6 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      ICYMI th-cam.com/video/wJelEXaPhJ8/w-d-xo.html&t

    • @MicoDossun
      @MicoDossun 6 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      cable wire so true! All that was missing was the weird match cut from girl screaming to Jeff Goldblum yawning and that’s all the iconic weird Jeff Goldblum moments

    • @hamnchee
      @hamnchee 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Hrah hraaaaawrr hahraaHRAAAAW

    • @spidervenomkilljoy
      @spidervenomkilljoy 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      lmao it never gets old 🤣🤣🤣

    • @Wheeler590
      @Wheeler590 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @cable wire LOL the meme of all memes

  • @andrewhoward6946
    @andrewhoward6946 6 ปีที่แล้ว +205

    I really enjoy how Jurassic Park avoids spouting "Man aught not meddle with forces beyond his control!" In favor of a "you knew you could, but never stopped to think if you should" message.

    • @masterpenguin8472
      @masterpenguin8472 6 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      Yeah, this is basically a metaphor for Hollywood overusing CGI just because they can.

    • @lucypinkstone8003
      @lucypinkstone8003 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      I love that line by Jeff Goldblum so much. And it has so much resonance in today's world.

    • @arnowisp6244
      @arnowisp6244 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Both are similar lines.

    • @arnowisp6244
      @arnowisp6244 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Both are similar lines.

    • @alessandro_ajm4278
      @alessandro_ajm4278 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      It’s all about Jeff Goldblum

  • @doctorhandsome
    @doctorhandsome 6 ปีที่แล้ว +82

    It's impressive how many things Grant's struggle with the seatbelts accomplishes in just a few unobtrusive moments that I didn't even notice as a kid: As Michael notes here, it shows Grant's discomfort with anything mechanical. It also shows his ability to improvise and figure out solutions. It also shows the unreliability and potential for error undermining Hammond's whole operation. Most subtly, the makeshift use of two "female" seatbelt ends foreshadows the "Life finds a way" reveal of the dinosaurs unexpectedly breeding. Not bad.

    • @n4ko
      @n4ko ปีที่แล้ว +5

      the two female seatbelts foreshadowing the “life finds a way” since all dinosaurs were female is genius….

  • @laureljohanson4603
    @laureljohanson4603 6 ปีที่แล้ว +165

    As a kid I was obsessed with this movie simply because of the cool dinosaurs.
    As an adult, I'm still obsessed with this movie for a lot of the reasons you've articulated here. It's so wonderful how you can find new ways to fall in love with old favourites as you get older.
    Thanks for the great vid!

    • @abstractdaddy1384
      @abstractdaddy1384 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I can't help but think even as kids we enjoyed it because of those other reasons, even though we didn't realize it.

  • @BreakingBanter
    @BreakingBanter 6 ปีที่แล้ว +730

    I find that a lot of people don't understand just how good this movie is on every conceivable level, so thank you for working to make its brilliance known.

    • @TheGeorgeD13
      @TheGeorgeD13 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Well, movies are subjective. It's not a matter of getting something. I get it. I just can't see it being anything beyond a dumb enjoyable popcorn film. To me, this is no better than Jurassic World 1 and 2, which some seem to hate for some reason. They're all reasonably entertaining dumb popcorn films with no merit beyond that.

    • @BreakingBanter
      @BreakingBanter 6 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      George Daugherty Ok

    • @chrismhp
      @chrismhp 6 ปีที่แล้ว +51

      If you can't see anything beyond a dumb enjoyable popcorn film, then I question your knowledge and understanding of filmmaking. Jurassic Park may not be an intellectual or challenging film, but it is a masterclass of great directing and crafting suspense. Spielberg's use of camera movement alone is enough to dissect for a whole class. What separates Jurassic Park from all it's lesser sequels is that it treats itself as an exercise of great storytelling, riding on a well-written script with strong theme and a focus on developing character. Not as a weak, derivative popcorn flick.
      Where you can criticize every other jurassic film on multiple fronts (weak characters, uneven writing, cliche/unoriginal direction), it is almost impossible to criticize anything in JP. From the acting, directing, editing, pacing, writing, groundbreaking VFX etc. It is just about a perfect blockbuster. There are so many memorable classic scenes, it is a testament to Spielberg's visionary talent.

    • @ThePandema
      @ThePandema 6 ปีที่แล้ว +25

      George Daugherty A “dumb popcorn movie”?? Are you high or completely insane?
      Jurassic Park is a work of art, both visually and literally. The amount of effort and talent that went into creating this film is astounding. It’s sad to see people like you throw all that work off as “mindless” or “dumb”, with absolutely no appreciation for the art behind it.

    • @MasonOfLife
      @MasonOfLife 6 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      One of the best movies of all time (my favourite) and people often only see it as an action movie...
      It sad how often misinterpreted creative works are

  • @forgottenpotato9868
    @forgottenpotato9868 6 ปีที่แล้ว +298

    The park itself felt like a character in this movie.

    • @paulrasmussen8953
      @paulrasmussen8953 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Which is why we cry when the parks dies in Fallen Kingdom

  • @The_RedVIII
    @The_RedVIII 6 ปีที่แล้ว +739

    That's one of the reasons I don't like the sequels. They spend so much time to show how Alan changes in the first movie and seeing him with the kids in the end smiling at Ellie made the audience believe "Yes, they can make it", only to show you in the third movie that they have separated and Ellie married someone else. Just so that they have a reason to use Alan again as the main character. Sure, you could argue it is more real that sometimes it just doesn't work out, but it kinda undermines the whole journey of the first movie and I hated that.

    • @haute03
      @haute03 6 ปีที่แล้ว +65

      Yeah, honestly, the entire JP franchise just devolved into a cash cow that the studios throw half-baked story lines at for the sake of producing another film they know will make bank at the box office based on name recognition alone.

    • @TheGeorgeD13
      @TheGeorgeD13 6 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Well, personally, I loved that sort of thing. People evolve. That's part of Grant's evolution as a character.

    • @TheGeorgeD13
      @TheGeorgeD13 6 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Rexvan Podung, how were you disappointed by that decision? I thought that was one of the better decisions. It's much better for me when a character gets to evolve and then stumble again rather than continuously getting a happy ending. That's just repetitive and boring. Let the character's life happen.

    • @The_RedVIII
      @The_RedVIII 6 ปีที่แล้ว +51

      No, that's the "deevolution" of his character. Because he is back where he started. He evolved during the first movie, ending on "maybe kids aren't that bad and we could have some". Sure, I get that doesn't mean it will always turn out well, but the first movie kinda hints at exactly that, and the third movie kinda ruins it.

    • @TheGeorgeD13
      @TheGeorgeD13 6 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      How does the third movie ruins that? He still completed his arc. It's not really a deevolution. It's clear in the third film that he still would like to have kids. He just didn't have them with Ellie. I just think it makes the character richer than it being ruined or some other ridiculous notion.

  • @jeffwalker6815
    @jeffwalker6815 6 ปีที่แล้ว +141

    If Hammond didn't pig out on melting ice cream, he never would have unlocked the freezer (which would be closed and locked at most times, let alone during an evacuation) and Tim would never have been able to trap the raptor in there.

    • @agustinvenegas5238
      @agustinvenegas5238 4 ปีที่แล้ว +29

      I've lived literally all my life watching that movie and never made that connection before

    • @chicofoxo
      @chicofoxo 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      A "spared no expense" freezer would have kept the ice cream frozen for a good 24h-48h, if he didn't open the door and kept the cold in. So pig out indeed.

  • @Rubber_Monkey
    @Rubber_Monkey 6 ปีที่แล้ว +113

    "Life cannot be contained. Life breaks free and expands into new territories. Life finds a Way." - Dr. Ian Malcolm

    •  6 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      PirateWarriorAndy25 and there it is

    • @a.jthomas6132
      @a.jthomas6132 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      After discovering the dinosaur eggs outside the fences, Dr. Grant realized that Malcolm is right.

  • @basedjudge
    @basedjudge 6 ปีที่แล้ว +286

    You forgot to mention the contrast between Ian Malcolm and Hammond, they had completely opposing viewpoints on the park, with Malcolm saying it was doomed to fail and Hammond arrogantly denying him. This is really prominent in their visual style, as Malcolm is always wearing black and Hammond is in all white, symbolizing the great contrast between them. Also, great video!

    • @joe42m13
      @joe42m13 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      The book expands on the idea even further. Malcolm doesn't even need his mathematical models to back up his opinion: he sees the park as doomed to fail from a philosophical viewpoint. The incredible hubris required to think one can exert total control over living systems makes him see it as inevitable.

  • @road_king_dude
    @road_king_dude 6 ปีที่แล้ว +751

    One of the greatest scores of all time.

    • @bronzeager1298
      @bronzeager1298 6 ปีที่แล้ว +28

      It just has to contend with John Williams' dozen other all-time classic scores.

    • @Julia69016
      @Julia69016 6 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Absolutely, yes!

    • @ikmaster1232
      @ikmaster1232 6 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      *correction* The greatest score of all time

    • @clintonwilcox4690
      @clintonwilcox4690 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      No doubt about that.

    • @Muppen01
      @Muppen01 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Road Glider THE greatest score of all time.

  • @Tobascodagama
    @Tobascodagama 6 ปีที่แล้ว +151

    This movie is always remembered for the CGI spectacle, but the craft that went into the *story* is why it'll always be a classic. It's just like _Jaws_ in that way; the shark effects in that movie haven't aged particularly well, but it's still an incredible movie because the story and characters are so good.

    • @wmichaelbooth
      @wmichaelbooth 6 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I disagree that CGI spectacle is what this movie is remembered for. There are only about 14 minutes of CGI in the entire film. And I don't think people tend to remember empty spectacle, in any case, at least not for very long. When a movie is remembered as well as this one, or Jaws, it's because it was well made.

    • @carlchilders6069
      @carlchilders6069 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Agreed, No amount of CGI or VFX makes up for lack in story...story is KING...the rest is the King's court, if you will....which is the point here of course...

    • @MrSpaceRaptor
      @MrSpaceRaptor 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Actually Michael there's even less CGI than what you stated! If I have my facts correct, there's about 15 minutes of dinosaur footage in the film and only 6 of them are CGI, which is pretty damn impressive.
      I agree that no one really remembers or treasures an empty spectacle. Just look at Avatar, it is the highest grossing film of all time yet when it left the cinema people just seemed to no longer care.

    • @redrounin1440
      @redrounin1440 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I don't think JP's remembered for the CGI spectacle. On more than one occasion, I've heard people reference JP as an example of special effects done right, though. That is to say, the proper combination of real effects and cgi, each in its place and playing to their respective strengths. I think JP's well remembered for that reason, and definitely the story, animatronics (peak of the craft), its score, and of course Jeff Goldblum's seductive walk.

  • @deepkushagra
    @deepkushagra 6 ปีที่แล้ว +72

    The book has more content on the mathematician Ian Malcolm. His explanation of chaos theory in terms of a dinosaur park is superb. Each chapter in the book starts with some weird art, which is called The Dragon Curve. Dragon Curve is one of the small parts of chaos theory, butterfly effect and fractals geometry. Numberphile has a superb video on it.

    • @LessonsfromtheScreenplay
      @LessonsfromtheScreenplay  6 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      I remember thinking the designs looked really cool

    • @lizzam
      @lizzam 6 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      the most memorable part was about the way he clothes himself. he wore all black, from shirt to socks, just to save time and energy thinking what to wear. we now see that in (the late) Steve Jobs, Zuckerberg, etc.

    • @jagpro91
      @jagpro91 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@lizzam And John Hammond was clothed in white, because he served as a thematic foil to Ian Malcolm.

    • @ambodini534
      @ambodini534 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes the book was so good. Loved and was scared of the movie as a kiddo

  • @MikeAltogether
    @MikeAltogether 6 ปีที่แล้ว +75

    I'm glad you also appreciate that Jurassic Park is one of the bet-written movies in my lifetime. To me, it is exactly what science fiction should be about.

  • @thisisfyne
    @thisisfyne 6 ปีที่แล้ว +54

    It's amazing to have a movie about dinosaurs that was made in a time when compositing, color grading, and CGI were not a crutch to create every set piece and special effects.
    It feels real. It's wonderful. One of the grandest films ever made.

    • @TheGeorgeD13
      @TheGeorgeD13 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      It's still not really even used as a crutch, believe it or not. People are just not as good at it doing that stuff as they used to be back then. On top of that, we're so used to that, it starts to look fake now.
      But if you ask me, the dinosaurs in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom look way more real than they do in Jurassic Park. It's also a far more enjoyable movie, if you ask me.

  • @mtregi
    @mtregi 6 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    Thanks for the Ian Malcom laughing scene!

  • @ThinkStory
    @ThinkStory 6 ปีที่แล้ว +132

    Theme is so important! They shape your characters and provide the skeleton for your plot. For example, in Macbeth the theme is "ruthless ambition leads to ones own destruction." This theme informs who the main character will be, what they will do, and how the story will end.

    • @bobpolo2964
      @bobpolo2964 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      You're confusing theme with premise

    • @firstlast-oo1he
      @firstlast-oo1he 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@bobpolo2964 No...it's theme. Theme is the "why" of the story.

    • @bobpolo2964
      @bobpolo2964 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@firstlast-oo1he Theme is what the story is about.

    • @vickykaushalfanone9726
      @vickykaushalfanone9726 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Funny how we're always told that "Characters Drive the Plot"
      No one ever says "Themes give birth to characters"

    • @TomEyeTheSFMguy
      @TomEyeTheSFMguy 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@bobpolo2964 No, that's plot.

  • @iolivetmeza1
    @iolivetmeza1 6 ปีที่แล้ว +66

    Let's all of us scream at the same time so Michael can hear us: THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION

    • @SirajRaval
      @SirajRaval 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      dude yes

    • @jasmine7744
      @jasmine7744 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      He heard you! 😁

    • @sethheasley9538
      @sethheasley9538 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes yes yes yes. Why does the voiceover narration work in it when it's often so terrible in other films. (Okay, it's Morgan Freaking Freeman, so that's a point in its favor.)

    • @Swaay420
      @Swaay420 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      I second that notion

    • @doncorleole2356
      @doncorleole2356 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@sethheasley9538 *Wolf of Wall Street has entered the chat*

  • @blobskin
    @blobskin 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Reminds me of a great piece of wisdom. "The answer to EVERY question is: it depends."

  • @benmontero36
    @benmontero36 6 ปีที่แล้ว +118

    It’s a shame the Jurassic World franchise has taken the Jurassic Park name & made it a monster movie, taking away the magic of the first film and it’s brilliance. Great video. As an aspiring screenwriter, I really look up to your channel for tips!

    • @LessonsfromtheScreenplay
      @LessonsfromtheScreenplay  6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Thanks Ben!

    • @TheActionBrick
      @TheActionBrick 6 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      Ben Montero I know right! The movies constantly remind us that these are animals just doing what they can to survive, yet moments later they have dinosaurs that go after humans in the middle of a volcanic eruption that is dropping ash and rock? These are some terrible survival instincts!

    • @THELANKANCOMRADE
      @THELANKANCOMRADE 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Two word describes the new “world” movies - Generic blockbuster!

    • @zachmiller8725
      @zachmiller8725 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I'm going to be really bold and suggest that contemporary audiences have just been unwilling to entertain the idea that the Jurassic World movies might have some of the thematic backbone that the 93 film had. Owen and Claire have had their own character arcs comparable to Grant's which could easily be mapped out in a video essay like this. Just because today's technology allows for more spectacle doesn't mean that the magic is automatically left behind. I attribute any audience disconnect between Jurassic Park and World to nostalgia blinders.

    • @THELANKANCOMRADE
      @THELANKANCOMRADE 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Zach Miller hahahah

  • @HxH2011DRA
    @HxH2011DRA 6 ปีที่แล้ว +203

    *Clever Girl*

    • @TheHelghast1138
      @TheHelghast1138 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Knew this comment was on here somewhere... love the Hunter X Hunter pic btw!

    • @HxH2011DRA
      @HxH2011DRA 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TheHelghast1138 Thanks~

    • @TheJoeSwanon
      @TheJoeSwanon 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I remember reading somewhere that line was added later on in the script. Either way I’m glad they did. In the book he actually is one of the characters that survives

  • @andrewle2790
    @andrewle2790 6 ปีที่แล้ว +106

    This is one of the greatest analysis videos I've ever seen.

  • @jaykparikh37
    @jaykparikh37 6 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    dude i was born in 2000 and jurassic park is still my favourite movie

  • @alex0589
    @alex0589 6 ปีที่แล้ว +79

    You couldn't do it uh....you couldn't NOT put the talking raptor within the first 25 seconds COULDNT YOU?
    Nicely done, good points.
    ALAN!

  • @cstenzy9167
    @cstenzy9167 6 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    JP really is a masterpiece, it's a shame none of the sequels have even come close.

    • @grahamwade5932
      @grahamwade5932 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      You can't improve on perfection!

    • @bennettfender1546
      @bennettfender1546 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      cestensrud meh at least Lost World was good the rest don't make me laugh.

    • @TomEyeTheSFMguy
      @TomEyeTheSFMguy 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Edgar Wright says that a good sequel is only possible if the main character still has room for growth.

  • @rafaelpiros4412
    @rafaelpiros4412 6 ปีที่แล้ว +44

    Hey, here's an idea to another video that I would love to see in this channel:
    Do "Inception: Putting an idea in the viewer's mind."
    I love this movie and I think it has a lot of great subjective messages.
    Brazil says hi!

  • @kingstonhannibal
    @kingstonhannibal 6 ปีที่แล้ว +79

    is it weird that i cried while watching this???? made me see this film , which is one of my fav films of all time, from a totally different perspective. always amazing stuff on your channel!!

    • @LessonsfromtheScreenplay
      @LessonsfromtheScreenplay  6 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      The childhood magic of this film makes me emotional too.

    • @bananajib
      @bananajib 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      It’d be a lot weirder if you didn’t...

    • @GabrielCortezWrites
      @GabrielCortezWrites 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Agreed. I got teary eyed at the ice cream part!

    • @MJay886
      @MJay886 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Kingston Hannibal not at all. A teardrop creeps in my eye everytime I hear that damn score. I wonder if kids these days experience the same kind of magic that we did, while watching current generation of movies.

    • @andrewhunt7328
      @andrewhunt7328 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The first time I saw the Brachiosaurus made me teary eyed

  • @TheDutchMitchell
    @TheDutchMitchell 6 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Man when I was young and came home from school, I always put on this movie on video tape. My dad would come home and say: you're watching this movie again?! Fun times

  • @thomaskishmanii2675
    @thomaskishmanii2675 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    The Problem with the New Jurassic World films is they lack this. Very well done review.

  • @dankwarmouse6248
    @dankwarmouse6248 6 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    This really brought to light some of the subtlety behind the absolute solidness of the screenplay. I never realized how great it is, for example, that as soon as the high tech cars fail, Dr. Grant's response is immediately to blame himself and his incompatibility with technology, saying "Hey what'd I touch?" Everything is so natural and in line with the characters, the movie a true masterpiece. Shame they never made any sequels.

    • @TheGeorgeD13
      @TheGeorgeD13 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      They did make sequels. And they were vastly superior to this movie. Well, at least in my opinion. The original is still pretty decent, though, I will say.

  • @sergeymeshkov
    @sergeymeshkov 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Dr. Alan Grant is the most underated character ever. His arc is awesome and the scene when he protects his "family" from raptors in the end brings tears to my eyes every time.

  • @Deadmeister77
    @Deadmeister77 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    "This commitment to theme, elevates the film above a simple monster movie, helping make it one of our most beloved and enduring cinematic experiences, one that may never go extinct". Using the term extinct when placing this film into cinematic history, is a term I have never seen anyone else use with this movie, but it's a damn brilliant one that ties perfectly in with the subject of this movie.

  • @salemsaberhagen1570
    @salemsaberhagen1570 6 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    HAHAHAHAHA that mandatory "Alan!" scene.

  • @LikeStoriesofOld
    @LikeStoriesofOld 6 ปีที่แล้ว +137

    My favorite childhood film! Great breakdown of what made Jurassic Park so special. If only you had made this video before they released the recent entries in the series. To me; they are lacking the exact qualities you talk about here.

    • @HAL-vm3wn
      @HAL-vm3wn 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      For me, the 2nd still works very well, but afterwards i just can't look at the screen anymore

    • @LessonsfromtheScreenplay
      @LessonsfromtheScreenplay  6 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      Thanks Tom! I haven't seen the newest one...may go check it out today, but I expect it to be completely lacking in magic.

    • @smtucker0419
      @smtucker0419 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Probably. But the dinosaurs will be so cool. Can't wait to see it.

    • @theonlooker6727
      @theonlooker6727 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Love your videos!

  • @Migzter05
    @Migzter05 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    My favorite movie of all time. This movie is the one that opened my eyes to the true magic of cinema. I still remember watching this for the first time with my dad back in 93 at our local cinema and it was rated PG13 in our country. I was only 4 at the time so my dad had to convince the ticket booth guy to let me in just because I love dinosaurs so much. I will always cherish that certain memory of me with my father.

  • @rasaecnai
    @rasaecnai 6 ปีที่แล้ว +77

    Alan!

    • @Menaceblue3
      @Menaceblue3 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      *A L A N*
      *L*
      *A*
      *N*

    • @TheJoeSwanon
      @TheJoeSwanon 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Such a hysterically horrible scene

  • @ibrews
    @ibrews 6 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Not gonna lie-- brought tears to my eyes. Fantastic work, as usual.

  • @AxiomApe
    @AxiomApe 6 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    "Jurassic Park" the book remains today to be my favorite book of all time. It was also my first book that I read, also because of a long wait for release. There's alot a 5 year old wouldn't understand but I did it anyway. Having read it again as an adult I can say the book is absolutely incredible.

  • @TheActionBrick
    @TheActionBrick 6 ปีที่แล้ว +66

    I love the first Jurassic Park. There is a perfect balance of comedy, horror, action, and all the philosophical elements between it all. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom attempts this balance but is dragged down by its hilariously dumb premise and dull characters; especially Franklin and Zia.
    Anyway, great video, Michael! I would love to see a video on Three Billboards if you’re interested!

  • @amandamfds
    @amandamfds 6 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    One of the most entertaining movies ever made, with the most fitting and beautiful soundtracks ever composed!

  • @jakethet3206
    @jakethet3206 6 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Dude... how did you do that?
    You actually brought a tear to my eye as your video pulled on every nostalgia string in my body.
    Furthermore...
    I saw this movie when I was 21 years old. It’s video release was literally the first item I ever pre-ordered. I’ve always loved it. But honestly, I never did a deep dive. I didn’t care, I just loved Jurassic Park, and that was always enough for me.
    But now, having watched this essay, my appreciation for the movie has only grown deeper. You have enhanced an experience I didn’t even know COULD be enhanced.
    WOW.

  • @ianmcdonough7575
    @ianmcdonough7575 6 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Wow. My appreciation for this film grew to heights I didn’t think possible from this video alone.

  • @samcoronel657
    @samcoronel657 6 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    At 1:14 I was like “Wait, is Spielberg really tinny or is Crichton a freaking giant?”. Turns out Michael Crichton was 2 meters tall.

  • @asherwilkins465
    @asherwilkins465 6 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    Its my birthday today and my awesome mom actually just sent me a copy of the novel. This just made that experience from earlier alll the cooler!

  • @mrsleakyshit
    @mrsleakyshit 6 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    The moviemakers were so preoccupied with whether or not they could make sequels, that they didn’t stop to think if they should.

  • @jurodriguez6026
    @jurodriguez6026 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Jurassic Park was the first movie theater experience I had as a 6 yr old an always gilded a special place in my heart. The way you broke down the film at the end was just so beautiful spoken it had me in tears from all the joy I’ve had with this filming. Thank you. Simply thank you!

  • @Timberwolf410
    @Timberwolf410 6 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Me: *currently watching Jurassic Park on TV*
    Lessons from the Screenplay: *uploads Jurassic Park video*
    DESTINY! *watches*

  • @benw4409
    @benw4409 6 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    One of my all time favourite films. It is impossible to get bored of it.

  • @guicaldo7164
    @guicaldo7164 6 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    This video made me appreciate JP even more than I already did.

  • @lulunaleo
    @lulunaleo 6 ปีที่แล้ว +32

    You truly get better with each video. Explaining theme, particularly in a entertaining way, is no easy task. Nice job!

  • @JonnyJayKhan
    @JonnyJayKhan 6 ปีที่แล้ว +32

    Ugh so good! And now Jurassic Park is like THE ISLAND IS A GIANT ERUPTING VOLCANO AND THE CHARACTERS RUN AWAY FROM THE LAVA AND GET ATTACKED BY BIG DINOSAURS WHO THEN GET ATTACKED BY BIGGER DINOSAURS
    :/

    • @TheGeorgeD13
      @TheGeorgeD13 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Well, that stuff is WAY better than the first Jurassic Park if you ask me. I mean, the first one is still a good movie, but it's a very dumb and loud popcorn film. Granted, so are all the sequels, but they're all vastly superior.

    • @prayagjoy8650
      @prayagjoy8650 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      George Daugherty whoa

    • @Vandicoup
      @Vandicoup 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      George Daugherty I see you under almost every comment thread on here, my god you are obsessed, grow up.

    • @Vandicoup
      @Vandicoup 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      George Daugherty And really? “Dumb, popcorn flick” & a “good movie”? Make up your mind on which one it is, ya dummy. It can’t be both lol.

    • @Vandicoup
      @Vandicoup 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      George Daugherty Also, no just no. Jurassic Park is objectively a classic and has a LOT of true, pure and genuine heart unlike the sequels you bend over backwards for in all of these comment threads down here. Sit down you clown. 😂🖕🏼🤡

  • @jesterssketchbook
    @jesterssketchbook 6 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    "ALAN!"

  • @parkerhaller4738
    @parkerhaller4738 6 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    This is why none of the other Jurassic sequels work....CHARACTERS!!!! THEMES!!!!!! I just think you can only make one good movie about dinosaurs

    • @markcignarale2935
      @markcignarale2935 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Sooooo true. Every other movie is just a cash grab and watered down to a basic monster movie. Some movies shouldn't have sequels. You simply cannot improve upon the original Jurassic Park.

    • @masterpenguin8472
      @masterpenguin8472 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@markcignarale2935 No, but you can build up on it.

    • @Vandicoup
      @Vandicoup 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Master Penguin Exactly. Not all sequels should improve but rather, build upon the original, expand the world, develop the characters and so on. People really be expecting too much out of the sequels, which is why a lot hate them and a lot don’t. The sequels aren’t even that bad to be honest.

  • @YouFightLikeACow
    @YouFightLikeACow 6 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    At least you're not obsessed with Alan as Screen Junkies.
    Alan!

  • @Hulavuta
    @Hulavuta 6 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    1: Wow, I never picked up on the symbolism of the kids in this movie, haha. Always figured it was just a way to add another dimension to Alan, didn't consider it as part of the theme. When he asked Ian if he had kids, I thought it was just a roundabout way to see if he was married, but I think your interpretation makes more sense.
    2: Jurassic Park being about the theme, not dinosaurs, is why I never minded the Jurassic Park sequels lacking depth. Unlike Star Wars, which switches up its themes with each trilogy, I feel that Jurassic Park only ever had one story to tell. So I don't expect any thoughtful meaning or themes from the sequels, nor do I mind that they are all just rehashes of the same premise, as long as they are good popcorn fun. (Which isn't to say they don't have *some* thoughtfulness; I thought the themes around Roland the hunter in The Lost World was interesting, and I found the "astronomers and astronauts" speech in JP3 pretty profound.)
    3: The Terminal Man is another Crichton book that is a good companion piece to Jurassic Park. It deals with progress and technology as well, but in regard to people rather than nature. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to look at this theme further!

  • @Mythicalmage
    @Mythicalmage 6 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    All this Michael Crichton talk makes me want to go back and re-read Prey, a book I read the better part of a decade ago, but which I still remember fondly.

    • @Dovahpiig
      @Dovahpiig 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Rob Wilson Prey is a wonderful novel. I've always wondered why they haven't developed a movie about it.

  • @architbagul120
    @architbagul120 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Goosebumps all over when the theme started playing! Phew!

  • @rebelndirt8830
    @rebelndirt8830 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I seen this movie on the day I graduated from High School. My local theater had a deal that if you wore your cap and robe in on graduation day, you got a free movie! This is my all time favorite movie.

  • @chrisbentley6254
    @chrisbentley6254 6 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    6:41 best scene in the movie 🤤

  • @bobfreking
    @bobfreking 6 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Love it! Same could apply to Infinity War's theme: is it worth sacrificing what you love for the end goal? And there are many characters to represent it.
    Do Hereditary!

  • @haute03
    @haute03 6 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    A big THANK YOU for this video! I've been saying for awhile now that Jurassic Park was light years ahead of it's time even beyond the special effects because of its strong script and commitment to character development, which is a rarity in action films. You really hit the nail on the head with this one.

  • @mr.goodwill2256
    @mr.goodwill2256 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    when i was a kid the whole town went to theatre and drive-in to watch Jurassic park the first weekend. biggest event when i was a kid.

  • @Justakidthatrantsisapimp
    @Justakidthatrantsisapimp 6 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    That's one Hell of a sponsor segway

  • @Meowmento
    @Meowmento 6 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Jurassic park and Memento
    damn Lessons from screenplay has done two of my favorite movies of all time
    surely my favorite movie channel

  • @thecatmangaming5503
    @thecatmangaming5503 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    As someone who aspires to make video essays on movies for TH-cam in the future, your channel is in equal parts inspiring and demotivating because all of yours are absolutely amazing. Beautiful and insightful writing, great delivery, and incredible yet subtle editing (I love how you used the score in this video to enhance the emotion of what you were saying, it was actually chilling). I can feel the passion and huge effort you put into these videos in every single element of production. Truly great stuff :-)

  • @Britton_Thompson
    @Britton_Thompson 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Not gonna lie... this may your best analysis video yet. You keenly picked up on elements even the sharpest critical eye could overlook, all the while explaining it to the masses brilliantly.

  • @nicdennis
    @nicdennis 6 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Great insight as usual. Clever Boy!

  • @siddsen95
    @siddsen95 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Pitch perfect damn editing, Michael..
    The way you voice parts of the original script while the scenes play out, perfectly matched with the beats within on-screen dialogue... I wonder how many practice shots you use before uploading the final video..
    And the interlacing of OST music is exemplary man.
    I see you spare no expense.

  • @minhnimumpoint4891
    @minhnimumpoint4891 6 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    wow one of my favourite channels covering one of my favourite movies? SIGN ME TF UP

  • @ic9778
    @ic9778 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Another great thing about the film is that the audience asks themselves how dinosaurs were brought back to life, and the characters want to know too, so the film gives us an exposition dump and we learn with the characters how the dinosaurs were brought back to life. That's more believable than the characters already knowing what they're being told.

  • @Insospettabili
    @Insospettabili 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What a marvellous movie. Many still discard this as a monster movie, i struggle to explain that's so much more. Monsters, or dinosaurs, are just an excuse to tell a beautiful story.
    Plus, special effects in this movie are now 25 years old and they look SO GOOD.

  • @Kaegri
    @Kaegri 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    aww the bit at the end when he's got the dino toy is adorable. Lovely meta as usual, your insights into theming and narrative structure is fascinating!

  • @noah480
    @noah480 6 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    6:21 And then he evolves and loses her anyway. Damn you JPIII.

  • @arkadia_9014
    @arkadia_9014 6 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I recently watched all 3 films again. What memories!

  • @robynmcdonald9220
    @robynmcdonald9220 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is why I feel like the new Jurassic park(s) are such a slap in the face. No depth, just action. I have a Jurassic park tattoo (t-rex with "woman inherits the earth") and this movie still gives me goosebumps.

  • @Lag22987
    @Lag22987 6 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    You got me thinking about how to sharpen a plot.... 🤔
    Amazing work as usual!!!

  • @andypham1451
    @andypham1451 6 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    One of my favourite blockbusters and I am so happy when a new video from you always pop up! Best combo. Also, could you do a video about a tv show called Legion?

  • @SpeedyXGunz
    @SpeedyXGunz 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'll never forget the first time I saw Jurassic Park in the theater as a young lad. I remember so vividly the moment the T-Rex roared as the "When Dinosaurs Ruled The Earth" banner fell. The wave of chills it sent through my body was almost indescribable . What a perfect combination of visuals. I walked out of the movie teary-eyed and was so blown away that I didn't even speak for the next 5 minutes. It was an unforgettable experience.

  • @ender7278
    @ender7278 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Something about Jurassic Park I find really interesting but too subtle to notice unless you're looking for it are the transitions. Character mentions something, cut to the thing. Hammond says "what's for lunch", cut to lunch. Grant asks to see the raptors, cut to them seeing the raptors. It's fantastic.

  • @animegodzillaworld
    @animegodzillaworld 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    This is the reason why I love movie and happy for Sunday when all three movie come on Netflix.

  • @JohnSWeekley
    @JohnSWeekley 6 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant movie. One of the best of not only modern days but probably film history.

  • @captainjakemerica4579
    @captainjakemerica4579 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wow this video explains what I love about this movie and feel all the sequels have forgotten about and ignored these deeper themes in the sequels

  • @woodbbl
    @woodbbl 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You are one of those channels that constantly gives me new reasons to love stuff, or if I already loved it, to love it even more! Thank you for that.
    My own memory of this movie: when JP came out we happened to be visiting family in England. I was 16, and I still remember this as one of the greatest movie experiences of my life. So much so that just hearing the music unexpectedly can still make my breath catch and bring tears to my eyes! We saw it in a sold out and then some theater in England - on the floor, because by "and then some" I mean that clearly some people had managed to sneak in as all seats were taken! Didnt matter though - once that movie got going there wasn't a person in that theater who wasn't fully inside the movie with the characters.

  • @itwillbeokay5475
    @itwillbeokay5475 6 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    I haven’t seen any of the newer movies, because the original was a rarity. Jurassic Park much like T2 are near perfect movies that have only been diluted by their sequels.

    • @JorgeTorrespluspage
      @JorgeTorrespluspage 6 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Honestly, unlike Star Wars, I don't feel the sequels erode away the impact Jurassic Park has .You just have to take them for what they are. Sure they don't have an underlying theme. They really are just dumb movies but they are pretty fun.

    • @TheGeorgeD13
      @TheGeorgeD13 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Really? The sequels are just as decent as the original movies. They're all the same: enjoyable loud dumb popcorn films. Nothing more, nothing less.

  • @skarmory2845
    @skarmory2845 6 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Jurassic Park is one of my favorite films! Thanks for the awesome video!

  • @sabster79
    @sabster79 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Unforgettable movie bc of its tight, lean script in which character, theme, and plot are all one and the same! Hard to come by these days.

  • @allenrodgers1577
    @allenrodgers1577 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I just want to point out that the seatbelt scene on the helicopter is not really about him at odds with tech. That scene is to show everyone's true character. The ride gets bumpy, just like it will later on. The lawyer is nervous and puts his seatbelt on first, the chaos begins and Ian is smooth and in his element. Now Ellie and Alan get their belts mixed up, Ian smiles. Hammond needs to control the situation and barks orders, good intentions but ultimately futile. Alan adapts(evolves), ties the webbing together. Now spread that over the next hour and a half, and that's Jurassic Park.

  • @NomeDeArte
    @NomeDeArte 6 ปีที่แล้ว +34

    This is one of my favorites channel on youtube. Thank you for your unique an incredible work!

  • @chance_ondriezek99
    @chance_ondriezek99 6 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    A video from you, on one of my favorite movies of all time.
    Today is looking good so far.

  • @CptMagnus
    @CptMagnus 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    When I first read the title I thought you were gonna talk about the music.... not gonna lie.. but the main theme still brings tears into my eyes...

  • @kingly4900
    @kingly4900 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This makes me love the movie even more. I think that theme being one of the driving factors of a film makes it better a lot of the time. I like to think that when writing you either come up with a theme, character, or premise, then fill in every detail of the other 2 to match that one. At least that’s how I write. Challenging viewers on multiple levels of attention like themes and details makes a film experience all the better for me.

  • @RipleyVSXeno715
    @RipleyVSXeno715 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I think this video just made me appreciate a movie that I already love that much more. Thank you for making this.

  • @heitormenotti
    @heitormenotti 6 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    This is Your best video so far. I have watched JP for more times that I can count, and you managed to make me like this movie even more. JP is constantly pointed as a monster/action movie with no caracter development, but your video proves otherwise. Well done my friend, you are incredible.

  • @davidcarter1942
    @davidcarter1942 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love the moment with the toy T-Rex and your child-like grin.

  • @RichO1701e
    @RichO1701e 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I was 9 when I first saw Jurassic Park at the cinema, 11 when I eventually got to see it on VHS. It was a long 16months!
    I went through puberty waiting for it! 😂