Speckles the Tarbosaurus: A Case Study in Dinosaur Cinema’s Unoriginality

by Rosa October 18, 2021

written by Rosa October 18, 2021

Speckles the Tarbosaurus: A Tale of Dinosaur Cinema’s Unoriginality

Overused Tropes Plague Dinosaur Movies

Dinosaur cinema has become a stagnant genre, plagued by overused tropes that make films frustratingly repetitive. From one-eyed Tyrannosaurus villains to dinosaur death marches, filmmakers seem content to recycle the same tired ideas over and over again.

Take the recently released “Speckles: The Tarbosaurus 3D” as an example. The film follows the tragic journey of Speckles, a young Tarbosaurus who loses his family and sets out on a quest for revenge. But the story is a mish-mash of elements from other dinosaur movies, including “Dinosaur,” “You are Umasou,” and “Fantasia.”

The Challenges of Creating a Compelling Dinosaur Movie

Why is it so difficult to create a compelling dinosaur movie? One reason is that filmmakers often rely on outdated stereotypes and inaccurate dinosaur representations. For example, in “Speckles,” the coelurosaurs are not sufficiently feathered, the Velociraptors have bunny hands, and the dinosaurs run and fall down in ways that defy physics.

Another challenge is the lack of character development. Dinosaur movies often focus on action and spectacle, but they neglect to develop their characters in a meaningful way. As a result, audiences have difficulty connecting with the dinosaurs and their struggles.

The Need for New Ideas

If dinosaur cinema is to survive, filmmakers need to start thinking outside the box. They need to develop new and original stories, characters, and visuals. They also need to embrace the latest scientific discoveries about dinosaurs, and to portray them in a more accurate and realistic way.

One filmmaker who has successfully challenged the dinosaur movie status quo is Phil Tippett, creator of “Prehistoric Beast.” Tippett’s film is a short and savage tale that focuses on the primal instincts of dinosaurs. It is a refreshing change of pace from the typical dinosaur movie, and it proves that it is possible to make audiences care about the lives of individual dinosaurs.

The Future of Dinosaur Cinema

The future of dinosaur cinema is uncertain. But if filmmakers are willing to embrace new ideas and to take risks, there is still hope for the genre. Dinosaur movies have the potential to be both exciting and thought-provoking, and they can offer audiences a unique glimpse into the prehistoric world.

Content Sections:

Overused Tropes Plague Dinosaur Movies
The Challenges of Creating a Compelling Dinosaur Movie
The Need for New Ideas
The Future of Dinosaur Cinema

Rosa

Rosa is a distinguished software engineer whose passion for science and technology was kindled in her early childhood. Growing up in a household where academic curiosity was nurtured, Rosa was deeply influenced by her father, a dedicated physics professor. After long days at the university, her father would come home and engage Rosa in a world of scientific exploration, guiding her through various experiments and fostering a profound love for the intricacies of the physical world. From a young age, Rosa was captivated by the endless possibilities that science presented. She spent countless hours conducting experiments and learning the fundamental principles of physics. This early exposure to scientific inquiry not only honed her analytical skills but also instilled in her a relentless curiosity and a passion for problem-solving. Rosa's academic journey led her to pursue a degree in Computer Science, where she excelled in her studies, driven by the same enthusiasm that had characterized her childhood experiments. She graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor's degree from a prestigious university. Her academic achievements were marked by numerous accolades and scholarships, reflecting her dedication and exceptional talent in the field. In her professional career, Rosa has made significant contributions to the tech industry. She has worked for several leading technology companies, where she has been instrumental in developing innovative software solutions that have had a substantial impact on various sectors. Her expertise lies in designing and implementing complex algorithms, optimizing system performance, and ensuring the reliability and scalability of software applications. Beyond her technical prowess, Rosa is a strong advocate for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). She actively participates in mentorship programs, guiding young women who aspire to pursue careers in technology. Rosa believes in the power of education and the importance of providing equal opportunities for all, and she dedicates her time to speaking at conferences and workshops to inspire the next generation of female engineers. In her personal life, Rosa continues to embrace her scientific roots. She enjoys spending her free time experimenting with new technologies, reading scientific journals, and engaging in discussions about the future of technology. Rosa's journey from a curious child conducting experiments to a successful software engineer is a testament to the power of early exposure to science and the enduring influence of a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment.