1993 was a banner year for Steven Spielberg, but his journey to makingJurassic ParkandSchindler’s Listin the same year began a decade earlier. Spielberg was celebrating the success ofE.T. the Extra-Terrestrialwhen he was approached to adapt thetrue story ofSchindler’s List. Spielberg initially did not feel mature enough as a filmmaker to tackle the “gravitas of the subject matter, morally or cinematically” (viaTHR). A decade later, after making more “adult” movies, Spielberg, as a Jewish filmmaker, was disturbed by the rise of Holocaust denialism and felt ready to makeSchindler’s List.
Universal agreed to produceSchindler’s Listas a package withJurassic Park, so, in a way,Jurassic ParksavedSchindler’s List. However,Spielberg overlapped post-production ofJurassic Parkwith pre-production forSchindler’s List.Universal did not want Spielberg to work on both projects simultaneously, but Spielberg worked out a secret deal with hisIndiana Jonescollaborator, George Lucas, that saved his schedule. Without their mutual trust in each other, Spielberg might have had to compromise on what would be the best year of his career.
George Lucas' Crucial Role In Making Jurassic Park Explained
Lucas Took Over Jurassic Park In Post-Production
Spielberg knew he could handle the production ofSchindler’s Listin Eastern Europe while still finishing post-production forJurassic Park, but Universal was skeptical. For Universal,Jurassic Parkwould have been their priority, as it was expected to be a major summer blockbuster, whileSchindler’s Listwas a smaller and riskier movie. Spielberg convinced Universal that he could oversee the mix remotely, but to cover his bases, he also sought the help of George Lucas.
“I said, “George, I’m in trouble. The studio’s really upset with me that I’m going to not mix Jurassic Park and go off to Europe and make Schindler’s List. Would you mix Jurassic Park?” I already had his mixers working on the film, so George said he’d take over. And he and Kathy Kennedy mixed the film.” (viaTHR)
Spielberg explained his scheduling conundrum with the studio, andLucas agreed to take overJurassic Park’s mix. The transition was smooth as Spielberg was already using Lucas' mixers forJurassic Park. Spielberg relocated to Eastern Europe, sothe filming locations ofSchindler’s Listwould be where the events of the movie take place. Meanwhile, Lucas and Kathy Kennedy finished the mix, score, and color correction forJurassic Park.
1993 Was A Remarkable Year For Steven Spielberg
Jurassic Park & Schindler’s List Are Two Of The Most Important Movies Of All Time
To make eitherJurassic ParkorSchindler’s Listis a huge accomplishment, but for Spielberg to direct both in 1993 is a nearly unparalleled achievement.Jurassic Parkwas expected to be a huge hit and still overperformed,breaking Spielberg’sE.T.box office record. Similarly, everyone expectedSchindler’s Listto be profoundly moving, but it beat an already high bar, winning multiple Oscars.Spielberg considers his best movie to beSchindler’s List, and its legacy as one of the most important WWII movies continues today.
Best Visual Effects
Winner
Therefore, both of Spielberg’s 1993 movies miraculously outperformed already high expectations. Many ofSpielberg’s best moviesexplore different genres, from sci-fi and adventure to humanistic dramas to musicals, but making two such radically different yet well-received movies asJurassic ParkandSchindler’s Listin one year is an almost impossible, remarkable feat.
Jurassic Park
Cast
Jurassic Park is a science fiction adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg, based on Michael Crichton’s novel. Released in 1993, it follows a wealthy entrepreneur who creates a theme park with living dinosaurs. When security systems fail, experts and visitors experience the perilous reality of the park.
Schindler’s List
Schindler’s List is a historical drama directed by Steven Spielberg, chronicling the efforts of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved over a thousand Polish Jews during the Holocaust. Starring Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, and Ralph Fiennes, the film vividly portrays the atrocities committed during World War II while highlighting Schindler’s transformation from a profit-driven industrialist to a humanitarian savior.
