Book vs. Movie: Jurassic Park
Today, I get to talk about my favorite book and greatest movie from my young childhood: Jurassic Park! To this day the movie Jurassic Park holds up as a classic, and I finally decided to read the original book by Michael Crichton. I can't put into words how much I loved the book but I'll say this: I've read many books that I liked and even loved, but I've never claimed to have a favorite, until now.
So, Book vs Movie: I'll go over some basics first:
Book
Michael Crichton, crafted Jurassic Park as a remarkable literary achievement. The book captivated readers with its meticulous scientific explanations, multifaceted characters, and contemplation of profound themes. Crichton's exploration of the ethical implications surrounding genetic engineering and humanity's inclination towards hubris prompts introspection, inviting readers to ponder their own role in scientific progress.
Movie
Directed by Steven Spielberg, the Jurassic Park movie made a mark on pop culture. Spielberg's artistry, showcased through groundbreaking visual effects, including a life-size statue of a T-rex, relentless suspense, and exhilarating action sequences, breathed life into the prehistoric creatures, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats,—or on the floor right next to the screen like me. The film succeeded in capturing the grandeur and wonder of these ancient beings, forever securing its place in the annals of cinema.
Book Pros
You always get more from the book than the movie. In the movie, Dr. Grant just knows that they can't see you if you don't move...which doesn't make much sense as it's not a theory in paleontology. In the book, after encountering many different dinosaurs Dr. Grant deduces that the animals act differently when he's still. It becomes established as something specific to the genetically engineered creatures.
The book is more of a horror-science fiction-thriller, the movie is more thriller-action adventure. As I am a horror and science fiction lover, you may understand why I gravitate more towards the book. The book starts with the rediscovered dinosaur and then quickly turns into horror. Which includes adults, small children, and babies being attacked on and off the island.
Movie Pros
The best part of the movie is the T-rex. They straight up sculpted a life-sized animatronic for the movie. That scene when it walks through the enclosure in the rain, will forever be one of the best cinematic moments of all time.
The casting of Laura Dern as Dr. Ellie Sattler. I only see Laura Dern as that character. She was strong, smart, and conveyed all of the things that made her character great. Perfect casting that absolutely reflected the character in the book.
Things that should have been in the movie
The set up. In the books first chapters, an extinct dinosaur was rediscovered on the nearby islands indicating that the parks inhabitants were escaping. It would've been a darker tone BUT it would've given more credence to the breeding problem. Which was only really discussed once in the movie. It was more of an oh, no, we got something wrong instead of a we have a serious problem and are all about to die.
Whether you're watching the movie or reading the book, you're a winner. They're both classics and you can't go wrong. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to read the next Jurassic Park book.
