In 1993, Spielberg
created cinematic magic with Jurassic
Park. A film that combined relentless action, real characters,
groundbreaking CGI and messages ahead of its time (environmental concerns and
cloning). The reason it endures is because Spielberg made a film that appealed
to thirteen year olds, both when they’re thirteen and thirty years later.
Jurassic World extends the narrative Spielberg started in a
natural direction where capitalism has won out (when doesn’t it) and the park
that never was has now come to fruition. Isla Nublar is now a combination of
Thorpe Park and a Safari Park, where bigger is better and danger is secondary
to money. The narrative progression is appealing and there is something
perpetually alluring about the John Williams theme playing over the
establishing shot of the island that will always raise goose bumps.
As director, Colin Trevorrow
has drawn out strong performances (Chris Pratt is the film’s secret weapon) and
keeps the action rolling and at times, the tension high. The reveal of the new
dinosaur is a particular high point. Yet, the magic is missing and while Jurassic World is good, it perhaps
reveals the great skill that Spielberg is able to bring to a film. The
reverberating cup of water, the electric fence, the “clever girl”. These are
moments of cinema that will last forever and Jurassic World has few of those moments of real fear and wonder. It
is an action film of its time, a time when audiences are wowed by bigger rather
than better.
Visiting Isla Nublar
will always be enjoyable and the success of Jurassic
World would imply we’ll be back, but there is nothing quite like the first
trip.
No comments:
Post a Comment