Michael Crichton Criticism
Michael Crichton, known for his contributions to popular fiction, skillfully blends technology and suspense in his narratives, notably examining the complexities and potential dangers of modern scientific advancements. His most acclaimed work, Jurassic Park, explores the perils of genetic engineering and the hubris of human control over nature, themes that are echoed in his other novels such as Congo and Sphere. Critics have noted Crichton's ability to make scientific concepts accessible and engaging, although some argue his characters lack depth and his plots can be predictable, as noted in reviews of his work by Gary Jennings and Ronald Preston.
Crichton was also a notable figure in cinema, directing films like Westworld, which, as J.P. Telotte discusses, highlights the blurring lines between reality and fantasy in a technologically saturated world. This theme of technology's overreach recurs throughout his works. Rising Sun and Disclosure reflect on contemporary societal issues; however, they sparked controversy over their portrayal of Japanese-American relations and gender dynamics respectively, with criticisms of racial and gender biases as discussed by Ian Buruma and Julie Burchill.
Despite mixed critiques regarding the depth of his characterizations and originality of some plotlines, Crichton's works remain popular for their exciting narratives and incisive engagement with technological and ethical issues, as noted in Publishers Weekly. His novels continue to captivate audiences by tapping into contemporary fears and debates, ensuring his place as a significant figure in modern literature.
Contents
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Principal Works
(summary)
The essay provides a comprehensive overview of Michael Crichton's prolific career, highlighting his evolution from early thrillers and medical mysteries to his later works focusing on science fiction, technology, and ethical dilemmas, underscoring his impact on popular culture and his exploration of the intersection between humanity and technology.
- Crichton, Michael (Vol. 2)
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Crichton, Michael (Vol. 90)
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Childhood of the Dead
(summary)
In the following excerpt, she unfavorably reviews Looker, focusing on Crichton's 'cold' direction, the lack of character development, and the weakness of the film's plot.
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The Wizards of ID
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In the following excerpt, Denby unfavorably reviews Looker.
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Pterrified by Pterodactyls
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In the following review of Jurassic Park, he applauds Crichton's ability to make scientific information understandable and interesting but laments the predictability of the plot and characters.
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Terrible T. Rex and Other Dinosaur Daydreams
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In the following review of Jurassic Park, Preston praises Crichton's ability to present technical material clearly and provocatively but faults his poorly developed characters and trite plot.
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Westworld, Futureworld, and the World's Obscenity
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In the following essay, he utilizes key concepts from French philosopher and sociologist Jean Baudrillard in an examination of how Westworld and its sequel, Futureworld, portray the dangers of living in a technological society where the boundaries between reality and fantasy break down.
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Is Japan Really Out to Get Us?
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In the following favorable review of Rising Sun, he contends that Crichton's presentation of Japanese-American economic relations raises important questions "about America's condition at the end of the American century."
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It Can't Happen Here
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In the following review of Rising Sun, he compares Crichton's negative portrayal of the Japanese to the German anti-Semitic film Jew Süss (1940) and to a contemporary Japanese anti-Semitic book, The Day the Dollar Becomes Paper.
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Return of the Yellow Peril
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In the following review of Rising Sun, Greenfeld faults the book for its stereotyping of the Japanese people and suggests that the novel's popularity may render legitimate criticism of Japan and Japanese society suspect.
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Number One Passport
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In the following excerpt, Loose faults Crichton's negative and unbalanced view of Japanese economic power and influence in Rising Sun.
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Dinomania
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In the following excerpt, he discusses the novel and film versions of Jurassic Park, comparing their presentations of characters and science.
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Sex, Power and a Workplace Reversal
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In the following mixed review of Disclosure, he maintains that the plot—despite its contemporary, "high-tech" appearance which masks various implausibilities—is a traditional and exciting "battle of the sexes" story.
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From Dinophobia to Gynephobia: He Said …
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In the following negative review of Disclosure, he examines what he argues are stereotyped characters in "a polemic masquerading as a novel."
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From Dinophobia to Gynephobia: She Said …
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In the following review of Disclosure, Morrison applauds Crichton's role-reversing plot about sexual harassment but faults the cartoon-like characterizations and the use of "preposterous devices" to maintain the plot.
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Sometime After Dinosaurs, God Created Woman
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In the following unfavorable review of Disclosure, she contends that Crichton's writing is poor, that the story maligns women, and that it fails to deal with the issue of sexual harassment seriously.
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Tears Before Bed
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In the following unfavorable review of Disclosure, Brennan contends that the novel's plot is contrived and its sexual harassment theme contains misogynistic sentiments.
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A Soft Touch
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In the following unfavorable review, Kennedy contends that Disclosure is formulaic and timid in its handling of the sexual harassment issue.
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Office Romance
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In the following mixed review of Disclosure, Coren applauds Crichton's handling of the sexual harassment theme but faults the unbalanced portrayal of good and evil in the characterizations.
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Review of Disclosure
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In the following review of Disclosure, she faults Crichton's facile manipulation of deep-seated anxieties about women and his poorly developed sexual harassment theme.
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The Lost World
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In the following review of The Lost World, the critic applauds Crichton's grasp of science but faults the characterizations and the originality of the story.
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The Lost World
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In the following review, Annichiarico compares The Lost World to Jurassic Park, noting that it reads more like a movie novelization, so bereft of plot and characterization in deference to action that it is closer in spirit to Steven Spielberg's movie version than to the entertaining and educational novel that preceded it.
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Leapin' Lizards!
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In the following excerpt, Udovitch favorably assesses The Lost World as a thriller but ridicules Crichton for his allusions to what she terms contemporary 'hot-button' issues.
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Childhood of the Dead
(summary)
- Crichton, (John) Michael
- Further Reading