'Jurassic Park' is probably the movie that got me wanting to

In the vast world of cinema, there are moments that transcend mere entertainment to inspire and shape the future of an individual’s passion and calling. Wes Ball’s words, “‘Jurassic Park’ is probably the movie that got me wanting to make movies. It’s fun, but it’s not totally gruesome,” offer us a window into the profound impact that storytelling—particularly the balance of adventure and emotion—can have on a person. Through Jurassic Park, Ball found not just a form of entertainment, but a spark of inspiration that drove him toward the creative pursuit of filmmaking. The movie provided not just thrills, but an opportunity to see the art of filmmaking as an emotional experience, one that can excite, awe, and even evoke deep reflection, without descending into pure violence or shock.

In the ancient world, stories were often told to both entertain and to teach, offering a blend of action, moral lessons, and emotional depth. The Greeks, for example, used dramas to showcase the struggles of gods and heroes. In plays like Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex" or Aeschylus' "Prometheus Bound", the audience was captivated by the tragic grandeur of the heroes’ fates, but also taught profound lessons about hubris, fate, and the human condition. These plays were not simply gruesome spectacles, but thoughtful examinations of humanity’s place in the world. Like Jurassic Park, they combined action with purpose, thrilling the audience while offering deeper reflections on life, morality, and consequence.

In Rome, gladiatorial games were seen as a way to both entertain and demonstrate strength, though often with a bloody spectacle. However, even in these brutal contests, there was an underlying recognition that entertainment could have a deeper purpose, such as honoring valor or reflecting the complexity of the human spirit. Leaders like Augustus recognized that entertainment, even when violent, could serve to promote order and civic unity. The key difference between these spectacles and Jurassic Park lies in the fact that the latter offers an adventure that balances the thrill of danger with moments of wonder and introspection, creating an experience that, while exhilarating, does not dwell solely on violence or gruesome detail. Ball, like the great Roman entertainers, learned that it was the balance of these elements that could captivate and move an audience.

Wes Ball’s reflection on the impact of Jurassic Park speaks to the power of storytelling to shape a person’s future. Much like Homer’s Iliad, which mixed the intensity of war with deeper explorations of honor and mortality, Jurassic Park offers a world of danger and mystery, yet its heart is rooted in a larger question—the relationship between humanity and nature. Spielberg’s film doesn’t simply thrill with dinosaurs; it asks the audience to reflect on the consequences of human hubris, the overreach of scientific knowledge, and the ways in which we, as a society, engage with the power of nature. For Ball, this balance of thrill and thoughtfulness was a blueprint for the kind of filmmaking he wanted to pursue—a craft that does not rely solely on sensationalism but seeks to entertain while inspiring reflection.

The lesson in Ball’s reflection is one of balance and purpose in creative endeavors. Whether in the arts, leadership, or personal pursuits, we must learn that true greatness comes not from pursuing one extreme—violence or peace, thrill or reflection—but from blending these forces in a way that speaks to the full spectrum of the human experience. Jurassic Park, while exhilarating, also presents moments of quiet awe, of the beauty and majesty of life on this planet. It is in this balance that the movie excels—offering a spectacle without losing its deeper meaning. This is a lesson we can apply to our own lives: the importance of balance in our actions, of pursuing our goals with passion but with reflection, of taking the time to find meaning in what we do, even in the midst of adventure.

In our own lives, we must take Ball’s words to heart: we are called not only to pursue our passions but to do so in a way that combines excitement with purpose. Whether in our work, relationships, or creative projects, we should strive to balance the thrill of the journey with the depth that gives it lasting value. Like the creators of the ancient epic stories, we too must weave together the fabric of action and reflection, thrilling others while also offering them something to think about. In this, we create not just moments of entertainment, but experiences that touch the soul, inspire change, and remain memorable long after the screen fades to black.

Thus, let us remember that the art of storytelling, like life itself, is most powerful when it holds balance in its heart. Whether we are crafting a film, pursuing a career, or building relationships, let us seek the joy of adventure, the depth of introspection, and the wisdom that comes from merging both. Just as Jurassic Park left a lasting impact on Ball, let our creations leave an imprint on the hearts of those we encounter, not through extremes, but through the harmony of passion and meaning.