Jurassic Park is the 1993 film that was a hit back in its day and remains a valued classic in 2020. Director Steven Spielberg is well known for creating many a classic, particularly in the area of adventure and travel films, but even fans of all of Spielberg's work might agree that Jurassic Park is one of his films that not only remains a pleasure to watch in the modern day, but that has aged quite well in other respects.
Technology has changed, and science has surely made great expansions, but the film never relied on the minor technicalities of the science behind its story in order to prove itself. No, what made the movie so good were the main tenets of the message that are sent through the loose usage of scientific exploration--a solid backbone of the movie which remains strong today, and can be found in these ten memorable quotes.
Life Finds A Way
Dr. Malcolm originates this line in the film when he urges Mr. Hammond's scientists to consider that making all of the dinosaurs female will likely not prevent the dinosaurs from reproducing.
When they challenge him to explain how in the world reproduction could come from an all-female group, he does not explain, but simply expresses the power life to adapt and adjust.
Your Scientists Were So Preoccupied With Whether They Could, They Didn't Stop To Think If They Should
Mr. Hammond is very proud of his project. Upon inviting the visitors there, he assumes that they are sure to sign off on all he has created, as he is so confident in the wonder that the park will strike in people.
Dr. Malcolm works to sober Mr. Hammond from his excitement and encourages him carefully consider the potential in what he has created.
Hold On To Your Butts
One of the most famous lines from the film, this signature expression from Mr. Arnold is unexplained and never quite makes sense--and yet, it might be one of the most commonly said things fans take from the film.
The line has only aged better and better, of course, with the increasing fame of the actor who said it (Samuel L. Jackson) who was then on the brink of breaking into the beginning of a thriving career.
Before You Even Knew What You Had, You Patented It, Packaged It, And Slapped It On A Plastic Lunchbox
The film makes an effort to draw attention to the capitalistic attitudes inherent in the building of the park. Before realizing how profitable the park was, Mr. Hammond's lawyer marches onto the screen demanding to see that safety regulations are being followed, purely disinterested in the park.
His quick turn-around when he realizes the money that can be made highlights the corrupt attitudes taken for the sake of wealth and at the expense of safety.
Dinosaurs...Eat Man, Woman Inherits The Earth
Dr. Malcolm has the most monologues in the movie, and most of them involve him speculating over man's relation to science and the natural world.
Laura Dern's character, Dr. Sattler, turns the film's discussion of mankind on its head when she playfully asserts that "man" may be used to refer to mankind, but that it literally is man who will ruin the earth--as males are the ones who historically have ruled the world.
Yeah John, But If The Pirates Of The Caribbean Breaks Down, The Pirates Don't Eat The Tourists
Dr. Malcolm once again uses a witty remark to emphasize Mr. Hammond's carelessness in creating the park.
Mr. Hammond laments that all parks have hiccups and moments where they must pause and re-assess their attractions--something that seems ridiculous when comparing it to the much greater risks of dinosaurs.
We're Out Of A Job. - Don't You Mean Extinct?
While the film deals with the issue of dinosaurs being brought back into existence after, as Dr. Malcolm puts it, "they had their shot", there is an underlying story of human evolution and extinction prevalent in the film.
Dinosaurs being brought back will indeed complicate the jobs of paleontologists, but the even greater risk is the creature that haunts the rest of the film--technology.
Clever Girl
Many a fan loves this quote, spoken by the endearing gamekeeper Robert Muldoon. Muldoon is a memorable character from the start, instantly asserting his disapproval of the velociraptors having been included in the park.
What makes Muldoon so special is his appreciation for the dinosaurs. He disapproves of their existence out of respect for them, something he embodies in his last words before the velociraptor outwits him and kills him.
We Can Discuss Sexism In Survival Situations When I Get Back
The film takes a few moments to insert some feminist ideals, and one of the most explicit of these is when Mr. Hammond stutteringly attempts to suggest that, due to being a man, he should be the one setting off on a dangerous mission instead of Dr. Sattler.
Dr. Sattler, unamused, hardly bothers to entertain his assertion before marching off on her mission.
You Never Had Control, That's The Illusion!
Mr. Hammond tries to cling to the idea that his park could make sense and still prove successful.
He expresses his dream to show the world the beauty he longs to create if only he can regain control of it, to which Dr. Sattler corrects that he never had control in the first place, and that he was only seeing what fed the purposes of his own fantasy, without regard for the needs of reality.