Brief Summary
This video analyzes "Jurassic World" (2015) as a self-aware blockbuster that critiques and indulges in the worst tropes of its franchise. It examines the film's meta-commentary on sequels, its characters, and its treatment of nostalgia, arguing that it ultimately fails to build upon the foundation of the original "Jurassic Park" due to cynicism and lack of meaningful character development.
- The film provides a meta-commentary on the Jurassic Park franchise by opening the park and highlighting the lack of John Hammond's original vision.
- The character of Dr. Henry Wu is used to criticize the creation of dinosaur hybrids for profit, reflecting on Hollywood's sequel culture.
- The movie tries to redeem Claire through her family, it doesn't give them the time to build their dynamic.
- The film's nostalgia is superficial, mainly showcasing the park's glory without questioning its ethics or foundations.
- Owen Grady, played by Chris Pratt, embodies a regression of Jurassic Park's progressive ideals, acting as a flawless action hero rather than a complex character.
- The indominus rex, as a metaphor for soulless sequels, is ultimately vilified instead of explored with sympathy, undermining the film's potential for deeper commentary.
Intro
The video introduces the concept of big-budget franchises becoming self-aware, often pointing out their own flaws after decades of criticism. It mentions how films are now engaging in genre satire, homage, and deconstruction, with franchises like Star Wars reflecting on their legacy through sequels. The Force Awakens is described as pastiche, The Last Jedi as deconstruction, and The Rise of Skywalker as parody. The best self-aware blockbusters use their meta-criticism to explore new ideas, as seen in the r-rated X-Men films. These films wrestle with their legacies, identifying good and bad elements to make them compelling. However, some blockbusters point out flaws only to indulge in the worst tropes, leading to a discussion about Jurassic World.
The Park Is Open
Jurassic World (2015) is presented as a sequel that pays homage to Jurassic Park while introducing two new elements: a meta-commentary on the franchise and the actual opening of John Hammond's park. The film's commentary centers on the park feeling different without Hammond's guiding hand, leading to a lack of whimsy and wonder. The success of the island is prioritized over the wonder of the dinosaurs, deliberately undermining Hammond's vision. In Michael Crichton's novel, Hammond is portrayed as harsh and egotistical, viewing the park as a business investment. The film portrays Hammond more sympathetically, with Richard Attenborough injecting charm into the role. Hammond's critical flaw is his love for the dinosaurs, blinding him to the troubles within his park.
The Worst Intentions
The only returning character from the original Jurassic Park in Jurassic World is Dr. Henry Wu, who had a minor role in the first film. In Jurassic World, Dr. Wu, now sporting a black turtleneck, embodies a meta-commentary on the flaws of the first film, particularly the use of frog DNA to fill genetic gaps, leading to unforeseen side effects. Dr. Wu's continued use of other species for the indominus rex hybrid is a catalyst for the film's conflict. The indominus rex is portrayed as a nexus of meta-commentary on Hollywood sequels, a monstrous being created solely for profits. The indominus rex's abilities, such as modulating infrared output and camouflage, are a result of decisions made to cater to shareholders, sponsors, and audiences. Dr. Wu defends his decisions by shifting blame to Jurassic World's CEO, Mr. Masrani, who is depicted as a consumer of his own park, leading to disaster. Hoskins, the military operations leader, is interested in using the dinosaurs for war, with the entire park serving as a cover for malicious intentions.
Redemption
To combat the inherent cynicism of its premise, Jurassic World gives a character arc to Claire, who is initially portrayed as being most interested in the park's profits, similar to Donald Gennaro in the first film. However, when the indominus rex breaks free and her nephews are in danger, Claire transforms into a surrogate parental figure, akin to Dr. Grant. The island is presented as a metaphor for life, with Claire forced to transform to keep her family safe. In the first Jurassic Park, Dr. Grant steps in to protect the children, creating a nurturing relationship in a chaotic environment. However, in Jurassic World, Zach and Grey survive their first encounter with the indominus rex through plot armor, and Claire brings them back into danger after they had already reached safety. The film tries to redeem Claire through her family, but it doesn't give them the time to build their dynamic.
Nostalgia
Jurassic World aims to tap into collective nostalgia by viewing the newer park through the eyes of Zach and Gray. Every scene with them is designed to showcase the park's glory, but the narrative fails to question the attractions or point out the cracks in the foundation, unlike the adults in the first film. The kids do not serve the story, and their journey to the first Jurassic Park is merely there to reminisce in iconic imagery. Despite Gray's knowledge of dinosaurs, he doesn't say anything revealing about them.
Rex Dangervest
Owen Grady is presented as an anomaly in the Jurassic Park franchise, which typically features children in trouble and failed attempts to confront the dinosaurs. The casting of Chris Pratt is complicated by his fame as a lovable goofball, contrasting with the typical male action star. Pratt's character in Jurassic World transforms into all the conventions his previous roles lampooned, lacking the maturity seen in those characters. Larry, played by Jake Johnson, feels like he should be a more central figure, as he is a fan of the first film and critical of the directions given by his bosses. However, these gags are rendered useless by Owen's macho awesomeness, which is a regression of Jurassic Park's more progressive ideals. Owen is the moral center of the film, with only two perspectives: Owen, who is always right, and corporate, who is always wrong. Owen is complicit with the system, lacking any big aspirations or goals.
Frankenstein's Monster
Since the beginning of cinema, there have been mad scientists and monsters, with movie monsters being a beloved genre. Jurassic World shares the fear that its central monster is made by bad intentions, with its havoc being a core design feature. The indominus rex is the focal point for the film's meta-commentary, representing the cool but empty sequel and corporate interests manifested into a monster. However, despite the desire for a cool product, the indominus rex ends up being more off-putting than intimidating, the result of a scrambled identity. The idea behind the indominus rex is the strongest one in the film, with Owen psychoanalyzing the beast and discovering that it's a truly damaged being. The film has nothing but contempt for the indominus rex, embodying the spirit of soulless sequels. The only way to combat it is with the hardy spirit of the classic, saving the t-rex for the final battle. However, the scene becomes a pure celebration of these icons, using the indominus rex as a punching bag. The villain in Frankenstein isn't Frankenstein's monster; it was always Frankenstein. Jurassic World makes a false association between the creator and the creation, using all its pent-up anger on the creation while the creator gets away scot-free.
Outro
The video concludes by stating that good stories breed greater stories, and franchises should inspire filmmakers to try to make something better. However, Jurassic World knows it can't top Jurassic Park, so it reminds the audience that it can't be topped. Despite the end product, the filmmakers made the film to tell their own story, and Jurassic World is a film made with the best intentions.
