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Let me pose a question: In a horror film, does the absence of the monster enhance the narrative? Numerous films in this genre are celebrated for their cutting-edge special effects and creative interpretations of what a ‘big bad’ might look like.
Conversely, some films have skillfully exploited the fear of the unseen in remarkably innovative ways. A classic example is Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park (1993). You might be surprised to learn that out of the film’s total runtime of two hours and seven minutes, the dinosaurs occupy only 10-11% of the screen time.
Remarkably, a movie centered around dinosaurs barely showcases them. CGI and animatronics were combined to create a mere 15 minutes of dinosaur footage in Jurassic Park. If they were actors, the dinosaurs would certainly be upset about their limited screen presence!
But have you ever wondered why Spielberg made that choice? In this article, we will explore why limiting the dinosaurs’ screen time was a brilliant decision.
Story Overview
The plot of Jurassic Park revolves around an isolated theme park on a remote island, featuring genetically engineered dinosaurs. Just before the park’s grand opening, its owner invites a group of experts to evaluate his creation and the safety measures in place. The scientists soon discover that the all-female dinosaurs have found a way to reproduce, undermining the park’s population control efforts. Meanwhile, a disgruntled employee inadvertently disables the park’s security system to steal dinosaur embryos, leading to the dinosaurs escaping and wreaking havoc.
The narrative unfolds linearly, evolving into a gripping cat-and-mouse chase between dinosaurs and humans as the creatures begin their hunt. Ultimately, the survivors flee the island, leaving the theme park and its inhabitants behind.
Decoding Spielberg’s Strategy: Less Rex, More Flex
Currently, there are seven films in the Jurassic Park franchise: three original films and four Jurassic World films. Despite the numerous entries, the first film remains the most beloved and terrifying.
The sequels featured more frequent and extended dinosaur scenes. While they are stylish and thrilling, none can evoke the same level of fear as the original.
Spielberg expertly utilized the principle of ‘less is more’ and tapped into mankind’s deep-seated fear of the unknown.
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Having previously directed Jaws, which is infamous for its production challenges yet achieved box office success, Spielberg learned valuable lessons. The mechanical shark designed for Jaws faced constant failures during shooting, forcing Spielberg to limit its screen time. This unexpected limitation turned out to be a creative boon, contributing to the film’s success. Spielberg later remarked that had the shark functioned properly, the film might not have been as financially successful or frightening.
In Jurassic Park, Spielberg applied the lessons learned from Jaws. He recognized that showing the terrifying antagonists sparingly would enhance suspense and profitability.
By minimizing the dinosaurs’ appearances, Spielberg maintained an unyielding sense of suspense throughout the film. The unseen is often more terrifying than the visible. For most of the movie, Spielberg cultivates a feeling of impending danger: scientists discuss the dinosaurs, we witness the destruction they cause, and we hear their distant roars. The structure of the film follows a pattern: buildup, buildup, buildup, then BAM! Dinosaur… Buildup, buildup… BAM! Dinosaurs! And so forth!
Utilizing dinosaurs only in critical scenes kept viewers intrigued while amplifying the sense of danger surrounding these colossal creatures.
Although Spielberg hardly shows the dinosaurs, it feels as if they are omnipresent, observing every move of the humans, waiting for the right moment to strike. Proceed at your own risk!
Jurassic Park illustrates the power of intentional limited screentime in a cinematic landscape where every minute on screen is considered creative currency.
Are there other films that employ a similar technique to Jurassic Park? Share your thoughts on this approach to horror storytelling.
