Comparing Jurassic Park and Jumanji: Shared Themes and Surface Similarities

When discussing films, it's common to draw comparisons between works that share thematic elements or have significant surface similarities. This article explores the parallels and differences between two of the most popular films of 1995: Jurassic Park and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. From the powerful cautionary tales to the unique characters and stunning visual effects, we will analyze the ways in which these films connect and diverge.

Thematic Warnings and Cautionary Tales

Jurassic Park and Jumanji are both films that delve deeply into cautionary tales, warning against mankind's hubris and the folly of tampering with forces beyond our control. In Jurassic Park, the theme revolves around the creation of genetically engineered dinosaurs by geneticist John Hammond and his team. The storyline quickly reveals the catastrophic consequences of hubris, as the creatures they created turn out to be far more dangerous than anticipated. The film emphasizes the idea that nature can neither be tamed nor fully understood, and the boundaries of science that can be pushed.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, on the other hand, explores a different kind of cautionary tale. Unlike Jurassic Park, which is a cold-blooded look at the risks of genetic engineering, Jumanji delves into the importance of responsibility and the consequences of avoiding responsibility. The film's protagonists, Alan Parrish (in the original) and Spencer and Judy (in the 2017 reboot), are all presented as characters who have long avoided their responsibilities, only to find themselves thrust into a dangerous situation that forces them to confront their fears and take responsibility for their actions.

Surface Similarities in Themes and Cinematic Techniques

Despite their differences in theme, both films share a surface-level similarity in their visual effects and storytelling techniques. Jurassic Park is renowned for its groundbreaking use of CGI, particularly in depicting the dinosaurs. This film set a precedent for the use of computer-generated imagery in films, revolutionizing the way that audiences visualized and interacted with complex on-screen creatures. The film also underscores the dangers inherent in playing god, a theme that resonated with viewers and critics alike.

Similarly, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle also utilizes impressive visual effects, although not in the same way as Jurassic Park. Instead, the film features a more traditional mix of practical and CGI effects, creating a world that is both real and fantastical. The use of animatronics and practical effects in the earlier scenes of the film adds an authenticity to the worlds that the characters are exploring, while the CGI elements enhance the fantastical nature of the story.

Protagonist Archetypes

One significant similarity between Jurassic Park and Jumanji is the recurring protagonist archetype: Alan Parrish. In Jurassic Park, the Alan figure is a middle-aged geneticist named Ian Malcolm, played by Jeff Goldblum. Ian's character is a skeptic who warns against the dangers of the park, but his skepticism is dismissed by the more confident and naive characters. In Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, the Alan figure is embodied by Spencer and Judy, who are young and immature, but ultimately realize the importance of facing their fears and taking responsibility for their actions.

Both of these versions of the Alan character serve as the voice of reason in their respective films, providing an opposing perspective to the hubris and recklessness shown by other characters. In Jurassic Park, Ian's skepticism is crucial in highlighting the potential risks of genetic engineering, while in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Spencer and Judy's transformation from reckless adventurers to responsible individuals is central to the film's message.

Conclusion

While Jurassic Park and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle are indeed different films with unique narratives and themes, they do share some interesting surface-level similarities in their visual effects, storytelling techniques, and the protagonist archetypes. Both films serve as cautionary tales that highlight the dangers of hubris and the importance of taking responsibility. Despite these shared elements, they ultimately tell very different stories, each with its own strengths and weaknesses, but both remain beloved classics in their respective genres.