Donald Gennaro in Jurassic Park
Introduction
Donald Gennaro is a pivotal character in the 1993 film "Jurassic Park," directed by Steven Spielberg and based on Michael Crichton’s 1990 novel of the same name. Gennaro is a lawyer working for the investment firm Cowan, Swain and Ross, which owns a significant stake in John Hammond’s company, InGen, the creators of Jurassic Park. His role in the narrative is multifaceted, reflecting both the financial and ethical concerns surrounding the park.
Gennaro’s creation and backstory are deeply rooted in the economic and legal aspects of the park’s development. He is sent to Jurassic Park to assess its safety and viability as an investment, highlighting the tension between financial gain and ethical responsibility. This character dynamic is a crucial element in Crichton’s exploration of science, technology, and human greed.
Role in the Story
In the movie, Donald Gennaro’s storyline begins with his arrival on Isla Nublar, the island where Jurassic Park is located. He is part of a group of experts, including paleontologist Alan Grant, paleobotanist Ellie Sattler, and chaos theorist Ian Malcolm, invited by John Hammond to give the park a safety certification. Gennaro’s primary concern is the financial viability of the park, and he is initially skeptical about its safety and potential for profit.
Upon seeing the dinosaurs, particularly a sauropod, Gennaro’s skepticism momentarily wavers, and he realizes the immense financial potential of the park if it can be made safe [1][3]. However, his enthusiasm is short-lived as the park’s security systems fail due to industrial sabotage by Dennis Nedry, leading to a catastrophic series of events.
Gennaro’s actions during the crisis are pivotal and controversial. In the film, he abandons Hammond’s grandchildren, Lex and Tim, to save himself from a Tyrannosaurus rex attack. This decision leads to one of the most iconic and gruesome death scenes in the movie, where Gennaro is killed by the T. rex while hiding in a bathroom [3][4].
Character Analysis
Donald Gennaro’s character in the movie is often seen as one-dimensional and villainous, contrasting sharply with his portrayal in the novel. In the film, he is depicted as a "blood-sucking lawyer" who sees nothing but dollar signs, lacking in people skills and empathy [3]. This portrayal makes him a symbol of corporate greed and the dangers of prioritizing profit over safety and ethics.
However, in the novel, Gennaro is a more complex character. He is described as a stocky, muscular man in his mid-30s, wearing an Armani suit and wire-frame glasses. Despite his initial skepticism and financial motivations, he shows a more heroic side during the crisis, helping to rescue an injured Ian Malcolm and contributing to the efforts to restore order in the park [1][3].
Gennaro’s motivations are driven by his role as a legal counselor and his firm’s significant investment in InGen. His strengths lie in his practical and cautious approach, but these are often overshadowed by his flaws, such as his lack of empathy and his prioritization of financial gain over human safety.
Themes and Symbolism
Donald Gennaro embodies several key themes in "Jurassic Park." He represents the conflict between financial ambition and ethical responsibility, highlighting the dangers of unchecked corporate greed. His character serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of prioritizing profit over safety and human life.
Gennaro also symbolizes the clash between nature and technology. His initial awe at the dinosaurs and subsequent realization of their potential for profit reflect the human tendency to exploit natural wonders for financial gain, ignoring the inherent risks and ethical implications.
Cultural Impact
The character of Donald Gennaro has had a significant cultural impact, particularly due to his memorable and gruesome death scene in the movie. This scene has become an iconic moment in pop culture, often referenced and parodied in other films and media.
Gennaro’s portrayal in the movie has also influenced the public’s perception of corporate lawyers and the financial sector, reinforcing stereotypes about greed and lack of empathy. However, the novel’s more nuanced portrayal of Gennaro adds depth to this character archetype, showing that even those driven by financial interests can exhibit heroic qualities in times of crisis.
Critical Reception
Critics and audiences have had varying interpretations of Donald Gennaro’s role in "Jurassic Park." In the movie, his character is often criticized for being one-dimensional and villainous, serving primarily as a foil to the more heroic characters. However, in the novel, his character is praised for its complexity and the way it adds depth to the narrative.
The death scene of Gennaro has been both praised and criticized. While it is remembered for its shock value and impact on the audience, it has also been seen as a simplistic and brutal way to dispose of a character. This scene has been analyzed in the context of the film’s themes, with some arguing it serves as a form of poetic justice for his earlier abandonment of the children.
Legacy
Donald Gennaro’s legacy in the "Jurassic Park" franchise is complex and multifaceted. His character has inspired other works and character archetypes, particularly in the realm of science fiction and adventure films. The contrast between his movie and novel portrayals has also sparked discussions about character development and the differences between literary and cinematic adaptations.
Gennaro remains a relevant character in contemporary discussions about ethics, technology, and corporate responsibility. His story serves as a reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of balancing financial interests with ethical considerations.
