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Spielberg's T-Rex: A Model of Innovation
30 May
Summary
- Spielberg initially wanted a practical T-Rex model inspired by Aliens.
- A one-fifth scale clay model was scanned for visual effects.
- Director made dinosaur noises on set, fooling Laura Dern.
In 1993's Jurassic Park, director Steven Spielberg desired a practical T-Rex, influenced by the approach in the film Aliens. However, visual effects icon Stan Winston explained that this wasn't feasible for a real dinosaur.
Winston and his team opted for a more achievable solution. They created a one-fifth scale clay model of the Tyrannosaurus Rex. This detailed model was then scanned by Industrial Light & Magic to facilitate the creation of the film's groundbreaking visual effects shots.
Additional behind-the-scenes details highlight Spielberg's immersive directing style. He reportedly made dinosaur sounds on set to enhance the actors' experience, a tactic that even led to Laura Dern's initial belief that the film would be subpar.
Over thirty years since its release, the Jurassic Park franchise continues to thrive, largely due to the foundation laid by the original film. Spielberg and his collaborators' efforts, alongside Winston's practical problem-solving, were crucial to its enduring success.
