From Page To Screen (42) Jurassic Park
For this weeks From Page To Screen I have decided to cover, Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton.
First let's discuss the book. Below is the cover.
First Edition Cover |
Here's a bit of back story in case some of you aren't familiar with the novel. Jurassic Park is a novel written by Author Michael Crichton. The book was originally released November 1990 by Alfed A. Knopf. Jurassic Park is considered Michael Crichton's signature novel. Michael Crichton did years of research before writing Jurassic Park and eventually it took him 10 years to complete the story.
Let's take a look at some of the characters now, shall we.
Dr. Alan Grant- A paleontologist famous for his studies of fossilized dinosaur nests. Grant prefers being in the field does not mind getting his hands dirty unlike his colleagues who are comfortable sitting behind a desk all day.
John Hammond- Owner of the corporation who creates Jurassic Park. He has a love of Ancient creatures and is quite the well known Dinosaur fanatic. Hammond also see the huge potential for profit with the creation of Jurassic Park and often dismisses those who say the park is doomed for failure.
Ian Malcolm- Mathematician by trade Malcolm is considered the rock star of the group. To say he has a holier than though attitude is an understatement. However, he does know his stuff and every prediction he has about the park and it's inevitable failure proves to be correct.
In case some of you aren't familiar with movie, here is a bit of back story for you. Jurassic Park was directed by Steven Spielberg and was released June 11, 1993 by Universal Pictures. Jurassic Park cost $63 million to make and went on to earn over $969 million in theaters. Jurassic Park opened to widespread critical acclaim. Fun fact, Steven Spielberg actually bought the rights to the film before it was even published. He was so excited he had part of it storyboard before a script was even conceived. Jurassic Park was re-released in 3D on April 15, 2013 to celebrate the films 20th anniversary.
Major Differences Between The Book and Film
Book | Film |
---|---|
The character Gennaro survives. | Gennaro is killed by a T-Rex after he steps out of the car he was in. |
While being given a tour of the facilities, the group see Dr. Harding working with a sick Stegosaurus. | While on the tour Dr. Harding is seen working with a sick Triceratops instead. |
The character Robert Muldoon survives. | Robert Muldoon is killed by Velociraptors. |
The character Henry Wu is killed while trying to restore power to the facility. | Henry Wu is seen while the group is on the tour only. He goes missing for the rest of the film. |
Grant and the kids use a raft to make it back to the facility quicker. | They walk instead of taking a raft. |
Dr. Grant and Dr. Sattler are colleagues. | Dr. Grant and Dr. Sattler are not only colleagues but they are romantically involved as well. |
Dr. Malcolm is shown to be quite weak and is bullied by Gennaro. | The roles are reversed and Dr. Malcolm is shown being muscular and strong while Gennaro is thin and weak. |
Dr. Grant and the kids visit an Aviary filled with many prehistoric birds while making their way back to the facility. | This does not happen (in this movie at least). |
We learn that many small events have started to happen at Jurassic Park such as lizards attacking children and a construction worker being rushed off the island in critical condition. | While moving a Raptor to another part of the Island a worker is killed. |
The character Ed Regis is shown being killed by a young T-Rex. | The character and young T-Rex are omitted from the movie. |
The Costa Rican Air Force destroys the island after the survivors depart. | The Islands fate is left open at the end. |
Tim is a computer genius and the older sibling of Lex. | Tim is the younger sibling and Lex is the computer genius. |
The above mentioned are the major differences I noticed when the book was translated From Page To Screen. Which however do I prefer? While I loved the book, let's face it Michael Crichton was a genius, this week I have to hand it to the movie! I love the epic scale of the film and the casting was great. Seeing the Dinosaurs on screen as if they were really alive speaks to the very heart of my inner Paleontologist. Plus hello, Jeff Goldblum. Definitely read the book if you haven't already it really is a great read. If you haven't seen the movie I suggest you do that as well. The updated re-released version is really quite nice but the original will do if that is what you can find.
Still not convinced? Check out the trailer below!
Leave your answers in the comments below, I love to read your responses. Like what you see? Please share!
Wow... I haven't seen this meme before, a lot of thought and detail goes into it!! It is a bit disappointing when the movie doesn't live up to the hype!!
ReplyDeleteNaomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
Yup it is but I hope it is appreciated :)
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