Jurassic Punk

Released Dec 16, 2022

1 hr. 26 min.

Documentary

Biography

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15 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

Audience Score

Steve Williams is considered a pioneer in computer animation. This intimate account examines his life story and events surrounding the historical moment when digital dinosaurs walked onto the silver screen in Jurassic Park. Steve and a chorus of expert witnesses recount a dramatic tale of rebellion and revolution at Lucasfilm's Industrial Light & Magic in the early 1990s--a time when creating realistic creatures with a computer was considered impossible. Decades later, Steve struggles to reckon with his chaotic past.

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G M

"Jurassic Punk" offers a captivating glimpse into the revolutionary world of computer animation through the lens of Steve "Spaz" Williams, a visionary pioneer whose groundbreaking work reshaped the landscape of visual effects. With a compelling narrative, the documentary delves into Williams' pivotal role in bringing iconic creatures to life in films like "Jurassic Park" and "Terminator 2," showcasing his ingenuity amidst a backdrop of rebellion and innovation at Industrial Light & Magic. For aficionados of early VFX history, this film is a must-see, providing intimate insights into Williams' creative process while also serving as a cautionary tale of the personal struggles, including his battle with alcoholism, that often accompany such monumental achievements.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/19/24

Full Review

Steve D

Honest. Genuine. Candid. Courageous & Insightful. I've of this story for a long time, so it was a revelation to see it fully told. The DNA of every CG professional can probably be traced back to this specific person place and time. That's what defines a living legend.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/03/23

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Luis U

Brutally honest on how hierarchical structures and politics play a role in the VFX cinema industry. The true pioneer underdog.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/08/23

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Aaron R

I love this movie! :)

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

08/07/23

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Ben S

If you grew up seeing Spaz in fleeting VFX specials from the 90s, this is the full story he deserves and we're all better for seeing it.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

06/03/23

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Justin T

A brutally honest documentary about one of, if not THE most important people in modern film making. You don't summarize a man like Spaz Williams. It can't be done, but what you see here is a glimpse at what drives some people to greatness. And the same things that give a person freedom of spirit can be the demon that makes it hard to exist in a world of constraints. I hope he knows how many "holy shit" moments he's already created (in a great way). I don't want to post a spoiler, but that ole dog still has a lot of fight still left in him. I'll be looking forward to the next chapter.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/09/23

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Scott Leberecht

Director

Steve "Spaz" Williams

Self

Phil Tippett

Self

Robert Patrick

Self

Jamie Hyneman

Self

Mark A.Z. Dippe

Self

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Jurassic Punk: Trailer 1

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Matt Zoller Seitz

RogerEbert.com

There's no doubting the sincerity of emotion expressed in the historical-survey parts of the movie.

Rated: 2.5/4

Dec 16, 2022

Full Review

Glenn Kenny

New York Times

“Jurassic Punk” tells the very juicy story of pioneers, naysayers and professional hierarchies that made Williams both the Necessary Man and an eventual outcast.

Dec 15, 2022

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Nick Allen

RogerEbert.com

Spaz beautifully balances its reverence for an underestimated underdog with a more real side; it's also the kind of documentary that enhances your appreciation for some of the best films ever made.

Mar 25, 2022

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Dave Golder

Radio Times

Full of frank interviews with old colleagues and marvellous movie-making anecdotes, this brings to life the Wild West feel of the effects industry at the time, with a fascinating creative at its centre.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 24, 2023

Full Review

Cory Woodroof

615 Film

I’m a sucker for showbiz docs, and I quite liked this one because I think it’s the best thing we’ve gotten in a long time that actually deals with the VFX revolution.

Jan 15, 2023

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

Though I'm far from a techie person, this techie film and its guileless but sympathetic creative subject held my interest.

Rated: B

Dec 26, 2022

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Synopsis

Steve Williams is considered a pioneer in computer animation. This intimate account examines his life story and events surrounding the historical moment when digital dinosaurs walked onto the silver screen in Jurassic Park. Steve and a chorus of expert witnesses recount a dramatic tale of rebellion and revolution at Lucasfilm's Industrial Light & Magic in the early 1990s--a time when creating realistic creatures with a computer was considered impossible. Decades later, Steve struggles to reckon with his chaotic past.

Director: Scott Leberecht
Distributor: Gravitas Ventures
Production Co: Wild One Films
Genre: Documentary, Biography
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 16, 2022, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 16, 2022

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