TLDR;
This video features a conversation with the cast of Jurassic Park, reflecting on the making of the original movie 30 years ago and their reunion for Jurassic World Dominion. They discuss the fun and terrifying aspects of working with Steven Spielberg, the evolution of CGI in bringing dinosaurs to life, and the unique experience of filming the latest movie under covered conditions during the pandemic. The actors share anecdotes about improvising on set, developing their characters, and the childlike wonder they brought to the franchise.
- Steven Spielberg's directing style involved creating both terrifying and relieving moments for the actors.
- The use of CGI was groundbreaking, but the actors' performances were crucial in making the dinosaurs feel real.
- Filming Jurassic World Dominion during the pandemic created a unique and intimate experience for the cast.
Open Shirt and Naughty Tusks [0:00]
The conversation begins with a lighthearted exchange about an open shirt, which was not part of the script or character but happened spontaneously. The original drawing related to the movie is titled "naughty tusks."
Working with Steven Spielberg [0:51]
The actors describe working with Steven Spielberg as a fun experience. Spielberg enjoyed choreographing scenes with alternating moments of terror and relief. He encouraged them to fully commit to the moment, even if it meant screaming hysterically rather than acting heroically. During one scene, Laura Dern dragged various limbs of Samuel L. Jackson's character due to a wire from her flashlight, causing laughter on set, but she remained focused on getting the scene right.
Casting and Character Development [2:28]
Initially, the details of the movie were kept secret, with many only knowing it involved dinosaurs and was based on Michael Crichton's book. Sam Neill shares an anecdote about Spielberg initially wanting him to use an American accent, then changing his mind multiple times before settling on a voice "somewhere in between." Spielberg worked with the actors to develop their characters' relationships, particularly focusing on the dynamic between a serious scientist wanting commitment and a character who was hesitant to settle down. Laura Dern appreciated the conversations with Spielberg about making her character a feminist within the action movie context.
The Breakthrough of CGI [5:13]
The actors recall being unable to imagine how the movie would work until the breakthrough of CGI. Kathy Kennedy described a meeting where Spielberg emphasized the need for running dinosaurs. Dennis Mirren discovered something at ILM that impressed Spielberg and Kennedy, leading to the realization of CGI's potential. During the brachiosaurus scene, the actors initially looked in awe at an X on a tree, but Jerry was asked to run to demonstrate the dinosaur's vast size. The actors emphasize that CGI will never replace human actors, who bring the performances to life.
Filming During the Pandemic [7:36]
The cast discusses filming Jurassic World Dominion under covered conditions during the pandemic in a remote part of England. They stayed together in a hotel, creating a unique and intimate experience. They had the option to live separately but chose to stay together for safety and to rehearse and develop the film. The actors reflect on the childlike wonder they brought to the franchise, fulfilling their dreams of seeing dinosaurs come to life. They express gratitude to Vanity Fair for the conversation and the magical experience of being reunited.