10 Best Dr Alan Grant Jurassic Park Moments
5. “They’re moving in herds.”
Jurassic Park
A flock of Gallimimus is sweeping towards Dr Grant and the children (Ariana Richards and Joseph Mazzello), the special effects are impressive. and there’s a low-level tension as the group of dinosaurs dip below the hill. Where did they go? Where are they heading? And why exactly are they running?
For a moment, the danger completely bypasses Grant. He finds such joy in learning that his theories about the animals he has spent his life studying are correct. It’s a sweet moment that links him to the people in the audience, and an important reminder that the film isn’t just about scaring people; that it’s a love letter to the prehistoric as well.
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4. The Fence
Jurassic Park
Despite starting out as an extremely reluctant guardian, Dr Grant is finally starting to have fun with the kids. He plays, makes jokes, and seems happier to show his softer side. The three of them have reached the perimeter fence and need to climb over, but the high voltage signs are screaming their warning. Alan sees his chance to tease the kids and pretend he’s being electrocuted.
It’s a superb little bit of foreshadowing and a fun way to lull the viewer into a false sense of security. It’s a great display of the balance that Jurassic Park juggles so well; joviality and pathos, building tension and jump scares. This scene has it all.
3. Facing the T-Rex
Jurassic Park
Alan Grant diving headfirst into oncoming danger is a common feature of this list. This is the first instance.
The lawyer, Genarro (Martin Ferrero), has abandoned the children in the powerless jeep, just seconds before the tyrannosaurs breaks free of its compound. Lured in by Lex’s discotheque antics with the flashlight, the beast is very interested in the car.
The kids are screaming and Alan knows exactly what to do. With such a level of confidence in his knowledge and capabilities, he attracts the attention of the dinosaur with a flare. It’s raining, the stakes are high, hearts are racing. It’s all very dramatic.
Alan Grant is MY dad