The conclusion of Jurassic Park may not present the intricate plot twists of many sci-fi spectacles, yet Steven Spielberg’s thrilling narrative about a disastrous dinosaur theme park reveals layers of meaning that not all viewers may grasp upon their initial watch. First appearing in 1993, Jurassic Park quickly became a box office sensation, earning both critical praise and commercial success, a feat seldom seen in the blockbuster realm. The film presents a seemingly straightforward plot where a theme park featuring cloned dinosaurs devolves into chaos, weaving together action-packed sequences with poignant insights on scientific experimentation.
As a family-friendly blockbuster, Jurassic Park captivates audiences with its memorable characters and stunning visuals. However, beneath its exhilarating surface lies a rich tapestry of symbolism and commentary on science, technology, and the inherent arrogance of humanity, attributed to both Michael Crichton, the original author, and Spielberg. The movie’s finale ties up its narratives while underscoring the central theme: “life finds a way.” It critiques the individual failings of characters like John Hammond, simultaneously celebrating the persistence of the dinosaurs.
Why The T-Rex Saves The Humans In Jurassic Park’s Ending
The T-Rex Has To Survive & Accidentally Saves The Humans
In a clever twist of audience expectation, the T-Rex makes a dramatic entrance just when it seems overshadowed by the high-stakes raptor chase occurring in the visitor center. This moment transcends mere plot progression.
Thematically, the image of the T-Rex amidst the ruins of the visitor center, with the welcome banner collapsing, powerfully symbolizes resilience. It suggests that life, indeed, “finds a way,” as the T-Rex endures despite the disintegration of the very park designed to contain it. While life imbued into Jurassic Park flourishes, the human arrogance that sought to manage it crumbles.
Alan Grant’s Jurassic Park Ending Is His Greatest Find
Alan Grant Finally Found His Comfort Zone
Dr. Alan Grant’s journey in Jurassic Park effectively mirrors the film’s core message about the persistence of life. A poignant shot depicts Ellie Sattler affectionately observing a dozing Grant, with the children cozily settled against him, highlighting his development throughout the story.
This intimate moment signifies Grant’s transformation into a nurturing figure, showcasing his growth into a dependable father figure, juxtaposing his initial aloof demeanor. As the narrative departs from the perilous lands of Jurassic Park, it underscores how life has helped Grant evolve into someone mature and capable of care.
What Happens To Ray Arnold In Jurassic Park
Ray Is Killed Off-Screen By A Raptor
Although audiences do not witness Ray Arnold’s demise directly, his fate is tragically sealed by the end of Jurassic Park. Following his departure to manually reboot the island’s system, it is heavily implied that he falls victim to the raptors, a fate poignantly symbolized by Sattler’s horrifying discovery of his severed arm.
Interestingly, production constraints due to a tropical storm prevented the filming of Samuel L. Jackson’s character’s death scene, leaving viewers to speculate about his fate. Despite the absence of an on-screen portrayal of his death, his demise remains canonically accepted within the Jurassic Park universe.
Jurassic Park Was A Failure (But Still Has A Future)
With The Bad Seeds Gone, Hammond Still Has A Chance
The film’s conclusion is notable as it spares not only Grant, Sattler, Dr. Ian Malcolm, and the children but also the park’s creator, John Hammond. This detail is significant because Jurassic Park frames the park’s collapse not as an indictment against the concept of a dinosaur theme park, but rather as a consequence of Dennis Nedry’s treacherous actions that compromised the park’s systems.
Nedry’s malicious actions lead to his own death, and this narrative structure suggests that the park could have succeeded without his interference. The failure of Jurassic Park is portrayed as the result of a few dangerous individuals, namely Dennis Nedry and Dodgson, who returns in Jurassic World: Dominion. With Nedry’s threat neutralized, the ending sets the stage for potential redemption in future sequels that might strive to correct his missteps.
What The Birds At The End of Jurassic Park Mean
They Represent That The Dinosaurs Aren’t Monsters, But Also Animals
The flock of pelicans glimpsed at the film’s end carries dual metaphorical significance for the surviving characters onboard the helicopter. They symbolize a return to normalcy, being the first ordinary animals the group encounters since the predatory T-Rex devoured a goat during the film’s chaotic earlier moments. Their appearance serves as a soothing reminder that the survivors are moving away from the pandemonium of Jurassic Park.
Additionally, the film previously drew parallels between dinosaurs and birds, underscoring the notion that dinosaurs are not merely monstrous beings but also profound representations of nature’s splendor. This scene suggests that like the pelicans, the dinosaurs are part of a complex ecosystem rather than just menacing beasts. As the humans leave and the island reclaims its autonomy, the visuals of the birds soaring away subtly hint that escape from Isla Nublar is not confined to helicopters but extends to all of its inhabitants, setting the scene for the sequels.
What Jurassic Park’s Ending Really Means
Jurassic Park explores the perils of humanity manipulating nature, yet Spielberg’s narration leans more towards critiquing Hammond’s greed rather than condemning the act of cloning itself. Hammond’s reliance on disgruntled, undercompensated employees like Dennis Nedry culminates in the park’s failure, not the cloning process. His choice to produce more thrilling (and thus financially lucrative) predators, such as the T-Rex, jeopardizes the lives of all involved.
The survival of the dinosaurs throughout Jurassic Park reinforces the idea that life will persist, despite the perilous intentions of individuals like Nedry or the monetary motives of Hammond. Throughout the film, Sattler, Grant, and others express admiration for the dinosaurs, celebrating them as beautiful creatures deserving of reverence.
Ultimately, Jurassic Park suggests that while the dinosaurs are not inherently monstrous, the ethical responsibility lies with the humans who clone them, as life will always persevere even when those attempting to govern it face dire consequences. Hammond’s quest for profit invites retribution through his park’s downfall, while Nedry’s egregious actions lead to a swift and brutal punishment.
How The Jurassic Park Ending Was Received
The Movie Was Universally Beloved By Fans & Critics
Jurassic Park received overwhelming acclaim from both fans and critics, achieving a remarkable score of 91% on Rotten Tomatoes for both groups. One enthusiastic audience member lauded the film’s climax, stating, “The T-Rex breakout is iconic and awe-inspiring. Everything that happens in the power shed is thrilling. Robert Muldoon’s death scene is one of the coolest in any movie.”Peter Travers from Rolling Stone also admired the film, particularly noting its nuanced portrayal of the dinosaurs:
“If Jurassic Park lacks the emotional hold of E.T., it still forges a bond between the animals and the audience that allows the beauty and terror of Crichton’s vision to come through. Spielberg never turns the dinosaurs into huggable Barneys or B-movie monsters; they retain a primitive dignity… Jurassic is a grabber for the best of reasons: You won’t believe your eyes.”
Discussion regarding the film’s conclusion, especially the scene with the pelicans, also spurred a lively debate among fans. A prominent Reddit user articulated a profound understanding of its significance: “Upon seeing the birds (evolved dinosaurs), Alan smiles because he realizes that in becoming a Dad to the kids, he has evolved too. And that’s how the movie ends. It’s him being reminded of his own evolution theory and realizing he is a part of it. Just like dinosaurs into birds, Alan has evolved too.”