Dennis Nedry, a pivotal character from “Jurassic Park,” is often remembered for his treacherous actions that led to the park’s downfall. However, a deeper dive into the novel reveals a more complex character, one who was trapped by his own decisions and the manipulations of John Hammond, the park’s creator.
The Film’s Portrayal
In the 1993 blockbuster, Dennis Nedry is introduced as the disgruntled computer programmer responsible for the park’s security system.
His decision to shut down the system and steal dinosaur embryos for a rival company sets off a chain of events that endangers everyone on the island.
With his sneaky demeanor, secret dealings, and the chaos that ensues from his actions, it’s easy to label Nedry as the primary human antagonist of the story.
A Different Perspective from the Novel
Michael Crichton’s novel delves deeper into the character of Dennis Nedry, painting a more comprehensive picture of his grievances.
In the book, John Hammond, the owner of Jurassic Park, is not the benevolent grandfatherly figure portrayed by Sir Richard Attenborough in the film.
Instead, he’s depicted as a shrewd businessman who consistently cuts corners to save money, leading to many of the park’s operational flaws.
The novel sheds light on a crucial aspect of Nedry’s employment: there was a bidding war for the position of chief programmer for Jurassic Park. Eager to secure the job, Nedry offered to do it for the lowest salary.
This underbidding would come back to haunt Nedry. He soon found himself a victim of “scope creep,” where the job he was contracted to do expanded far beyond the original agreement.
Hammond’s decision to hire Nedry, the lowest bidder for the programming job, is a testament to his cost-cutting measures. As the story progresses, it becomes evident that Nedry is underpaid and overworked, with Hammond continuously pressuring him to do more than what was initially agreed upon.
Nedry’s challenges didn’t end with the scope of his work. He was kept in the dark about the true nature of Hammond’s plans and the purpose of his work. This lack of transparency led to numerous errors in the code and system problems.
This secrecy and the subsequent issues put Nedry in a precarious position. He was essentially blackmailed and threatened with the loss of future clients, making his decision to betray Hammond almost inevitable.
Furthermore, Hammond’s refusal to compensate Nedry for additional changes to the code, despite his “spared no expense” mantra, meant that Nedry had to bear the costs himself.
This professional mistreatment and financial strain, combined with Hammond’s attempts to tarnish Nedry’s reputation in the tech industry, provides a clearer context for Nedry’s eventual betrayal.
The True Villain of the Story
While Nedry’s actions were undeniably treacherous, the novel and the comments highlight that he was more a victim of circumstance than a true villain.
John Hammond, the mastermind behind Jurassic Park, is portrayed in the novel as a man blinded by his own vision. His dream of creating a dinosaur theme park overshadows the practical and ethical considerations that come with such an endeavor.
Book Hammond is a stark contrast to his film counterpart. In the novel, he is an unyielding figure who consistently blames others for the park’s failures, never once showing remorse for the lives lost due to his dream.
One of the most telling aspects of Hammond’s character is his interaction with Nedry.
Hammond’s famous quote “I spared no expense,” is contradicted by his decision to hire Nedry, the lowest bidder, for the park’s computer systesm. After accepting Nedry’s low bid for the chief programmer position, Hammond’s expectations remain sky-high.
When Nedry struggles with the immense workload, instead of understanding the challenges and providing support, Hammond berates him.
Nedry’s plea for additional resources and a team to assist him falls on deaf ears. Hammond’s refusal to acknowledge the need for more manpower and his aversion to spending more money highlight his single-mindedness.
The pressures of single-handedly managing the software for an entire dinosaur park, coupled with Hammond’s unwillingness to provide adequate resources, push Nedry to his limits.
While Dennis Nedry’s actions in “Jurassic Park” are undeniably reckless and dangerous, understanding his motivations provides a more empathetic view of his character.
The film, while a cinematic masterpiece, offers a simplified version of events. In contrast, Crichton’s novel delves deeper into the complexities of corporate greed, professional ethics, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
By examining both versions, audiences can gain a more comprehensive understanding of why Nedry did what he did and the broader themes at play in this timeless tale.
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