Jurassic Park: Which Came First, the Novel or the Film?

When discussing the adaptation of stories from novels to films, one cannot help but mention the iconic Jurassic Park. However, there is some confusion surrounding the timeline of when the novel and the film were released. Was the novel published first, or was the film adapted directly from the screenplay? This article aims to clarify the timeline and the creative process behind Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park.

Timeline of Jurassic Park

The novel Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton was published in 1990, nearly three years before Spielberg's film adaptation, which was released in 1993. The publication of the novel sparked immediate interest in the film industry, particularly among large studios looking to capitalize on the success of the book. Spielberg's studio, DreamWorks, purchased the film rights to Jurassic Park even before the book was finished, highlighting the anticipation and potential of the story.

Steven Spielberg's Involvement

Spielberg read Crichton's novel while developing the film. His involvement with the project included collaborating with both Crichton and screenwriter David Koepp to adapt the story for the screen. The film incorporates many elements and themes directly from the novel, although there are notable differences between the two. This collaborative process ensured that the essence of the novel was preserved in the adaptation, providing a faithful, yet innovative, cinematic experience.

Epic Year for Steven Spielberg

The year 1993 was significant for Steven Spielberg. Not only did he direct the blockbuster Jurassic Park, but he also directed the critically acclaimed Schindler's List, which won the Best Picture Oscar at the Academy Awards that year. This year held a rare distinction in cinema history, as it was the last time a Best Picture winner had also been the highest-grossing movie of the year, since that prior to 1974.

Interestingly, prior to 1965, it was not uncommon for the Best Picture winner and the highest-grossing film to co-occur, but since then, it has become increasingly rare. Other notable years where the Best Picture winner and the highest-grossing film were separate were Rain Man and Kramer vs. Kramer in 1988 and both Godfather films in 1972 and 1974.

A Practical Collaboration

One exclusive aspect of the Jurassic Park adaptation was the thought to the creative process. In his interactions with the project, Spielberg mentioned, “I only helped with bits for this film. The concept and story were from somebody else, just like for Star Wars—50%. It was the same for Star Wars.” Despite this, the novel provided a strong foundation for the film, making the adaptation a seamless yet distinct experience.

The novel by Michael Crichton and the film adaptation by Steven Spielberg together created a cultural phenomenon that continues to be appreciated decades later. From its roots as a best-selling novel to its groundbreaking film adaptation, Jurassic Park remains a testament to the power of cross-media storytelling. The intricate details of the creative process and the historical context of the release make it a fascinating topic for film enthusiasts and scholars alike.