Why We Need A Jurassic Park Movie Without Terrible Child Characters
For decades, the Jurassic Park franchise has captivated audiences with its thrilling blend of dinosaurs and disaster. However, a recurring element that often detracts from the overall experience is the inclusion of terrible child characters. While children can add a sense of vulnerability and innocence to the narrative, their portrayal in the Jurassic Park movies often veers into the realm of irritating, illogical, and downright dangerous. This article explores why the franchise might benefit from a film that focuses primarily on adult characters and the potential benefits of such a shift.
The Problem with Child Characters in Jurassic Park
One of the most common criticisms of child characters in the Jurassic Park series is their tendency to make illogical decisions. In moments of extreme peril, these characters often act in ways that defy common sense, putting themselves and others at greater risk. This can range from wandering off alone in a dinosaur-infested park to making impulsive decisions that directly lead to dangerous encounters. While the intention may be to create suspense, it often results in frustration for the audience, who are left wondering why these children are behaving so recklessly.
Another issue is the overreliance on child characters as plot devices. They are frequently used as the catalyst for certain events or to create emotional stakes. While this is not inherently bad, the execution can sometimes feel forced or contrived. For instance, a child might stumble upon a crucial piece of information or be placed in mortal danger to raise the tension. When this happens repeatedly, it can detract from the overall narrative and make the children seem more like plot tools than fully realized characters. Furthermore, the damsel-in-distress trope is often applied to these child characters, requiring adult characters to constantly rescue them. This not only reinforces outdated gender roles but also diminishes the agency and capabilities of the children themselves. Instead of being resourceful and intelligent, they are often portrayed as helpless victims, which can be a disservice to younger viewers.
In addition to illogical actions and plot device usage, many Jurassic Park child characters fall into the trap of being stereotypical and one-dimensional. They often lack depth and complexity, making it difficult for the audience to connect with them on an emotional level. This can be seen in characters who are either overly precocious or excessively whiny, without much in between. Such caricatures not only make the characters less believable but also prevent them from contributing meaningfully to the story. A well-developed child character can bring a unique perspective to the narrative, offering insights and observations that adults might miss. However, when children are reduced to simple stereotypes, this potential is squandered.
Examples of Problematic Child Characters
Several characters throughout the Jurassic Park franchise exemplify these issues. Lex and Tim Murphy from the original Jurassic Park are often cited as prime examples. While their fear and vulnerability are understandable, their actions sometimes stretch the bounds of believability. Lex's screaming and Tim's obsession with dinosaurs, while initially endearing, become grating as the film progresses. Their moments of panic and poor decision-making frequently put them in harm's way, requiring the adults to constantly intervene. This dynamic, while adding to the suspense, also diminishes their agency and makes them seem more like liabilities than active participants in the story. Furthermore, their character development is somewhat limited, with Lex's computer skills being her primary contribution and Tim's dinosaur knowledge occasionally proving useful but not significantly impacting the plot.
In The Lost World: Jurassic Park, Kelly Curtis, played by Vanessa Lee Chester, has a memorable but controversial scene where she uses gymnastics to kick a raptor out a window. While this moment is undeniably thrilling, it is also highly improbable and detracts from the film's overall realism. Kelly's character, like others in the franchise, often serves as a plot device, needing rescue and creating additional tension. This reliance on children as sources of peril and damsels in distress becomes repetitive and predictable, diminishing the impact of their presence in the story. Instead of contributing unique skills or perspectives, they often become burdens that the adult characters must protect, which can frustrate viewers looking for more nuanced and capable child characters.
Even in the newer Jurassic World films, the child characters continue to exhibit some of these problematic traits. Zach and Gray Mitchell in Jurassic World spend a significant portion of their time wandering off on their own, making reckless decisions that put them in danger. While their familial dynamic adds a layer of emotional depth, their actions often feel contrived and unrealistic. The constant need for rescue and the predictable nature of their peril make their characters less compelling than they could be. Moreover, their individual personalities are not as fully developed as they could be, with Zach primarily portrayed as a sulky teenager and Gray as an overly enthusiastic dinosaur fan, limiting their overall impact on the narrative.
The Potential of an Adult-Centric Jurassic Park Movie
Imagine a Jurassic Park movie where the focus is primarily on adult characters, each with their own complex motivations and backstories. This approach could allow for a more nuanced exploration of the themes that the franchise often touches upon, such as the ethics of genetic engineering, the dangers of unchecked ambition, and the relationship between humanity and nature. By removing the need to constantly protect and rescue children, the adult characters could be placed in more challenging and thought-provoking situations, leading to a more mature and compelling narrative.
An adult-centric Jurassic Park film could also delve deeper into the psychological impact of surviving in a dinosaur-infested environment. Characters could grapple with trauma, PTSD, and the moral dilemmas that arise when faced with life-or-death situations. This could add a layer of depth and realism that is often missing in the franchise's more action-oriented sequences. For example, a group of scientists or security personnel stranded on an island could be forced to make difficult choices to survive, leading to internal conflicts and shifting alliances. The absence of children would allow these adult characters to be pushed to their limits, both physically and emotionally, creating a more intense and gripping cinematic experience.
Furthermore, focusing on adult characters could open up opportunities for more intricate plotlines and character arcs. The relationships between the adults could be explored in greater detail, with complex dynamics and conflicting interests adding layers of intrigue to the story. Instead of simply trying to survive, the characters could be driven by personal goals, professional ambitions, or moral convictions, leading to a more engaging and unpredictable narrative. This could also allow for the introduction of morally ambiguous characters, whose motivations are not always clear, adding a sense of suspense and uncertainty to the film.
The absence of child characters could also allow for a shift in the tone and pacing of the film. Without the need to cater to a younger audience, the movie could embrace a darker, more suspenseful atmosphere, similar to the original Jurassic Park novel by Michael Crichton. The focus could be on building tension and creating a sense of dread, rather than relying solely on action sequences and jump scares. This could result in a more sophisticated and unsettling viewing experience, appealing to audiences who appreciate psychological thrillers and character-driven dramas. The dinosaurs could be portrayed as truly terrifying creatures, and the stakes could feel higher and more impactful, creating a more immersive and memorable film.
How to Include Children Effectively (If Necessary)
Of course, the complete absence of children is not a requirement for a successful Jurassic Park movie. Children can bring valuable perspectives and emotional resonance to the story. However, if children are included, it is crucial that they are well-developed, intelligent, and capable characters. They should not be mere plot devices or sources of comic relief, but rather active participants in the narrative.
One way to improve the portrayal of child characters is to give them specific skills or knowledge that contribute to the group's survival. For example, a child with expertise in botany could identify edible plants, or a child with a knack for engineering could help repair damaged equipment. This not only makes the characters more useful but also empowers them and gives them agency within the story. By showcasing their abilities and intelligence, the film can avoid the trope of the helpless child and create characters that viewers can admire and respect.
Another important aspect is to ensure that the child characters act in ways that are consistent with their age and experience. While it is unrealistic to expect children to behave perfectly in a crisis, their actions should be believable and understandable. They should make mistakes, experience fear, and learn from their experiences. This can be achieved by giving them realistic motivations and allowing them to grow and develop throughout the story. By portraying them as complex individuals with their own strengths and weaknesses, the film can create child characters that are relatable and engaging.
Furthermore, it is essential to avoid relying on tired stereotypes and tropes when writing child characters. They should not be overly precocious, excessively whiny, or simply present to be rescued. Instead, they should be unique individuals with their own distinct personalities, interests, and backstories. This can be achieved by giving them meaningful interactions with the adult characters, allowing them to express their thoughts and feelings, and showing how they contribute to the group's dynamics. By treating them as fully realized characters, the film can avoid the pitfalls of caricature and create children that are integral to the story.
Conclusion
While the Jurassic Park franchise has delivered many thrilling moments, the portrayal of child characters has often been a point of contention. By shifting the focus to adult characters, the series could explore more complex themes and create a more mature and compelling narrative. If children are included, they should be well-developed, intelligent, and capable, contributing meaningfully to the story rather than detracting from it. A Jurassic Park movie without terrible child characters is not just a possibility; it's a promising direction for the franchise to evolve.
