Released in 1993, Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park remains a landmark in cinematic history, and for good reason. The film is brimming with Easter eggs that fans can discover even after numerous viewings. Over the years, ardent supporters have uncovered an array of subtle allusions to other films, along with intricate foreshadowing that enhances the narrative. With impressive practical effects and groundbreaking CGI, it’s no surprise that Jurassic Park has become a reference point in multiple subsequent films, establishing itself as a pioneer in the world of blockbusters.
Beyond its visual spectacle, Jurassic Park exhibits remarkable cleverness. Early scenes cleverly infuse themes that resonate throughout the movie, and background elements underscore the larger implications of John Hammond’s ambition to create a lavish amusement park. Based on Michael Crichton’s bestselling novel, this film is the genesis of a franchise that cleverly integrates hidden gems and playful nods to other creative works, enriching the viewer’s experience with every watch.
The Sign in Dr. Ellie Sattler and Dr. Alan Grant’s Trailer
Smart Foreshadowing in the First Act
The climax of Jurassic Park may be anticipated, but Spielberg expertly foreshadows the impending chaos. When John Hammond first meets Ellie and Alan, a sign in their trailer reading, “No animal released without paperwork completely filled out,” subtly hints at the impending disaster caused by Dennis Nedry’s reckless actions. Although the characters specialize in extinct creatures, this sign cleverly symbolizes the lack of accountability that leads to their catastrophic escape.
Nedry Dressed for Another Era
A Tip of the Hat to The Goonies
Steven Spielberg, renowned for his directorial achievements, also infused Jurassic Park with elements reminiscent of his earlier work. Notably, Dennis Nedry’s wardrobe echoes outfits from the beloved 1985 film, The Goonies. The resurgence of interest in The Goonies, thanks in part to cultural references in modern series like Stranger Things, highlights the continuing relevance of such nods. Nedry’s outfits—complete with a Hawaiian shirt and Members-Only jacket—mirror the colorful fashion choices of characters in The Goonies, providing a fun visual connection for observant fans.
Dr. Grant’s Seatbelt
Symbolism in a Brief Scene
At first glance, Alan Grant’s seatbelt malfunction may seem like a minor detail, but upon reflection, it conveys significant themes within the film. This moment serves two purposes: it highlights deficiencies in safety measures at the park, despite Hammond’s claims, and it symbolizes one of the film’s core themes regarding the unintended consequences of scientific advancement. Just as Grant figures out how to connect two female ends of the seatbelt, the film illustrates the unforeseen outcomes that arise from the park’s seemingly well-constructed facade.
Projected Success of Jurassic Park
Hammond’s Overconfidence
While John Hammond embodies the archetype of a charismatic billionaire, he also showcases a profound sense of overconfidence. His aspirations to sell Jurassic Park involve demonstrating an exaggerated vision of the park’s popularity compared to sports and zoos. The slide he presents features a dubious bar graph that hints at irrational ambition, emphasizing that despite Hammond’s assurances of meticulous planning, his grasp of reality may not be as strong as he believes.
Jurassic Park Europe
Early Stages of Expansion
Hammond’s ambition extends beyond the initial opening of Jurassic Park, as seen on a slide he shows to the collaborators. His enthusiasm for expanding to Jurassic Park Europe before the main park’s launch illustrates an alarming disregard for safety and readiness, cleverly foreshadowing future plotlines. Notably, Jurassic World: Dominion, which debuted in 2022, made good on Hammond’s vision. However, the portrayal of dinosaurs on the continent starkly contrasts with his idyllic concept of a theme park.
Tim’s Book References
Subtle Nod to Various Works
While Jurassic Park serves as an adaptation of Crichton’s novel, it contains hints of other literary works. In one scene, young Tim engages Dr. Grant in a discussion about avian evolution, holding a book that adds a layer of depth to their interaction. This lighthearted moment underscores the dedicated efforts of the many individuals who contributed to the film’s creation, celebrating the collaborative spirit of filmmaking.
Richard Kiley as the Virtual Tour Guide
Echoing the Past
Richard Kiley’s role as the park’s virtual tour guide warrants attention. While Hammond brags about sparing no expense, Kiley, a celebrated actor, was not the most current choice available. By the time of Jurassic Park‘s release, Kiley’s visibility had waned. This casting choice invites speculation regarding Hammond’s true commitment to excellence—suggesting he could have easily employed a popular star like Tom Hanks or Kevin Costner to elevate the park’s image.
Nedry’s Movie Preferences
Nedry Enjoys Spielberg’s Classics
Moreover, the film includes another delightful nod to Spielberg’s repertoire. During his shift, Dennis Nedry is seen watching Jaws on his computer—further cementing the thematic parallels between the two films. Both narratives pit humans against formidable forces of nature, reinforcing Spielberg’s deep-seated commentary on humanity’s hubris in the face of great power. This deliberate parallel not only elevates Jurassic Park but also hints at its impending success as a summer blockbuster.
Alan Grant’s Iconic Hat
A Nod to Heritage
In addition to references to The Goonies and Jaws, Spielberg extends the Easter egg tradition by tying Alan Grant’s look to another prominent character: Indiana Jones. Grant’s trademark fedora shares a stylistic connection to the iconic archaeologist, foregrounding his credentials and personality. This visual cue expertly intertwines the characters’ identities, enriching the narrative by building ties to Spielberg’s earlier successes.
Nedry’s Thoughtful Decor
Visual Symbolism of Scientific Risks
The film’s depth shines through in its visual storytelling, particularly in Nedry’s office. A notable photograph of J. Robert Oppenheimer illuminates the narrative’s exploration of the potential consequences associated with scientific progress. Oppenheimer’s role in the atomic bomb narrative parallels Hammond’s ambition—both individuals awakens forces that lead to monumental and potentially destructive changes in the world.
Rexy’s Iconic Look
Accidental Realism
Fans have embraced the intricate details of the T-Rex, but one defining characteristic—the dinosaur’s missing tooth—was an unexpected accident. The animatronic Rex experienced technical difficulties during filming, leading to one of its teeth being dislodged. This unintentional detail ultimately heightened the character’s realism, contributing to the tension and intrigue in the iconic Jeep scene.
The Gift Shop’s Unique Offering
A Meta Reference
Among the many Easter eggs, the most meta of all appears in the form of The Making of Jurassic Park book showcased within the film, released in conjunction with the movie’s premiere. This behind-the-scenes look at the filmmaking journey enriches the cinematic experience, providing keen observers a glimpse into the creative process that manifested this landmark film.
A Nod to Disneyland
Humorous References
Jurassic Park provides subtle jabs at its competitors, particularly Disney. When Hammond comments on Disneyland’s troubled launch, he mistakenly cites the opening year as 1956. Despite this error, he accurately reflects that many attractions were not operational at the time of its inception. This sly reference winks at both audiences and industry insiders, showcasing the absurdities of entertainment ventures.
Homage to The Shining
A Masterful Tribute
In a fascinating twist, Jurassic Park pays homage to Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, elevating the suspense and horror reminiscent of both films. The clever parallels include a scene in which the young protagonists trap a raptor in a freezer, mirroring Wendy’s actions against Jack Torrance, and Lex’s clever concealment echoes Danny’s hiding tactics. Spielberg masterfully intertwines cinematic homage with fresh storytelling.
DNA Projections
Highlighting Scientific Responsibility
One standout moment in Jurassic Park illustrates a core message: the real antagonist isn’t the dinosaurs, but the reckless scientific endeavors that created them. During a crucial confrontation, a DNA sequence is projected onto a raptor’s face, serving as a stark reminder of the ethical dilemmas faced by the park’s creators. This projection reinforces Dr. Malcolm’s earlier warnings about the consequences of playing God and further critiques humanity’s hubris in the quest for knowledge.
Musical Homage to Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Auditory Easter Eggs
John Williams, the legendary composer of Jurassic Park, also contributed a significant Easter egg to the film. During the closing credits, audiences hear a variation of the iconic five tones associated with Close Encounters of the Third Kind, another of Spielberg’s iconic works. This connection emphasizes a thematic continuity between the two films, linking their exploration of the unknown while allowing audiences to reflect on their cinematic experience.