Film series overview

Few American writers have been more concerned with the transformative power of science, and its unforeseen consequences, than Michael Crichton. In his work, Crichton demonstrated a keen ability to anticipate new technological developments long before they became reality and predict how even seemingly beneficial breakthroughs in biotechnology or artificial intelligence could quickly spiral out of their creators’ control. This fall, join the Linda Hall Library for a retrospective film series that considers how Crichton’s views on science and technology evolved during the final decades of the 20th century.

Films will be screened at the UMKC Student Union Theater. A pre-screening lightening round of trivia will begin prior to the screening. A 30-minute audience discussion and Q&A will follow each movie.

About the December 9 film

Jurassic Park (1993, 127 minutes, PG-13)

During a preview tour, a theme park suffers a major power breakdown that allows its cloned dinosaur exhibits to run amok. Based on a novel by Michael Crichton, who also wrote the screenplay. Directed by Steven Spielberg and stars Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum.

Trivia contest

A 15-minute trivia contest will take place prior to the screening. Get to your seats early and shout-out the answers to win prizes!

Q&A with the experts

A 30-minute audience discussion and Q&A will following the screening. Dr. Bruce Lieberman, a paleobiologist at the University of Kansas, will be in conversation with Dr. Benjamin Gross, the Library’s Vice President for Research and Scholarship, to answer your questions about the science depicted in the film.

Admission tickets

The event is free and open to the public; however, e-tickets are required. Films will be screened at the UMKC Student Union Theater. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.

Parking

Free parking is available on the 5th and 6th floors of the Cherry Street Parking Garage. There are entrances on Oak Street and Cherry Street. Parking on lower floors is reserved for vehicles with UMKC parking permits.

This program is funded by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.
Its content is solely the responsibility of the Linda Hall Library.