Brief Summary
This video explores the making of Jurassic Park, from its conception as a non-monster movie rooted in scientific credibility to the groundbreaking use of animatronics and CGI. It highlights the contributions of key figures like Stan Winston, Jack Horner, and Phil Tippett, and the collaborative spirit fostered by Steven Spielberg. The video also touches on the casting choices, the impact of the film's wit and character development, and the challenges faced during filming, including a category five hurricane.
- The film aimed for scientific accuracy rather than horror.
- Animatronics and CGI were used to create realistic dinosaurs.
- Steven Spielberg fostered a collaborative environment on set.
- The cast and crew faced a category five hurricane during filming.
Childhood Fascination and the Genesis of Jurassic Park
Steven Spielberg discusses his childhood fascination with dinosaurs and how it influenced his approach to directing Jurassic Park. He wanted to capture the sense of wonder and imagination he felt as a child, creating a film for dinosaur lovers that felt real and exciting. Spielberg emphasizes that his vision was to make a movie where dinosaurs could be encountered without necessarily being eaten, focusing on the awe and fascination of these creatures.
Jurassic Park: Not a Monster Movie
The video explains that Jurassic Park was conceived as a film about bringing extinct animals back to life through science and technology, rather than a typical monster movie. Michael Crichton's book provided the foundation for this credible look at how dinosaurs might coexist with modern humans. The concept of dinosaurs being brought back for entertainment purposes, specifically through a theme park, was a key element of the story.
Bringing Dinosaurs to Life: Stan Winston and Animatronics
The video emphasizes the importance of using full-size animatronic dinosaurs to make the movie as realistic as possible. Stan Winston and his team were chosen for their expertise in creating authentic dinosaur movements and designs. The process involved creating drawings, maquettes, and consulting with paleontologist Jack Horner to ensure scientific accuracy.
The Role of Paleontology and Jack Horner
Jack Horner served as a consultant to ensure the dinosaurs' authenticity and to support theories about their evolution into birds. Horner's expertise added credibility to the film's portrayal of dinosaurs. The collaboration with Horner helped shape the dinosaurs' appearance and behavior, making them as accurate as possible based on current scientific knowledge.
From Stop-Motion to CGI: A Technological Revolution
Initially, stop-motion animation was planned for wide shots of the dinosaurs, with Phil Tippett hired for this purpose. However, ILM (Industrial Light & Magic) developed groundbreaking CGI technology that allowed for the creation of full-size, realistic dinosaurs. This technological advancement changed the course of the movie, leading to the decision to switch to CGI for many of the dinosaur shots.
The Dinosaur Input Device (DID)
Despite the shift to CGI, Phil Tippett and his team's expertise was still valuable. The Dinosaur Input Device (DID) was developed to bridge the gap between stop-motion animation and CGI. This device allowed animators to translate their stop-motion movements into computer models, combining traditional techniques with digital technology.
Casting and Character Development
The video highlights the importance of casting actors who could bring credibility to their roles, such as Laura Dern, Sam Neill, and Jeff Goldblum. The characters' wit and interactions, particularly the dynamic between the scientists, added depth and humor to the story. David Koepp's writing contributed to the characters' personalities and relationships.
Filming Challenges and Improvisation
The actors discuss the challenges of reacting to dinosaurs that weren't physically present during filming. Steven Spielberg's directing style involved guiding the actors through their reactions and encouraging improvisation. The actors had to use their imagination to create believable reactions to the dinosaurs.
Spielberg's Collaborative Approach
Spielberg fostered a collaborative environment on set, valuing the actors' input and ideas. He treated the child actors with respect and encouraged their creativity. This collaborative approach contributed to the actors' performances and the overall success of the film.
Richard Attenborough as John Hammond
Richard Attenborough's casting as John Hammond was praised for his ability to portray the character's initial enthusiasm and eventual realization of the consequences of his actions. Attenborough brought dignity and tragedy to the role, capturing the complexity of Hammond's character. His experience as both an actor and director added depth to his performance.
Location Scouting and Set Design
The video discusses the decision to film the exterior scenes in Kauai, Hawaii, due to its suitable jungle landscapes and infrastructure. Rick Carter's set design aimed to create a theme park that reflected the local cultural design sensibilities of Costa Rica. The design of the park and its various elements contributed to the immersive experience of the film.
The Barbasol Can
The selection of the Barbasol shaving cream can as a container for the dinosaur embryos was a creative choice made by the set design team. The can's distinctive appearance and the cool mechanism added a unique visual element to the film. This detail highlights the attention to detail in the movie's production design.
The Sick Triceratops Scene
The scene with the sick triceratops was a defining moment for the actors, as it was the first time they interacted with a full-size animatronic dinosaur. The realism of the dinosaur, with its wrinkly skin and lifelike movements, created a powerful and emotional experience for the actors. This scene showcased the capabilities of the animatronics and their ability to create believable interactions.
Hurricane Iniki
During filming in Kauai, the cast and crew faced a category five hurricane, Hurricane Iniki. The hurricane caused significant damage and forced the production to shut down. The shared experience of surviving the hurricane created a strong sense of community among the cast and crew.
