Have you enjoyed going back over your memories?
Its actually amazing to me that I havent gotten tired of talking aboutJurassic Parkyet, after all these years!
I have so many memories, and it was a very rich experience.
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Is there a particular memory thats your fondest recollection of the production?
And he never got to experience that as a boy, but as an adult he createdJurassic Park.
So you were the two children in the world who actually got to play with dinosaurs… We got to experience that world first-hand… Actually, Steven asked me the same question when filming!
Were you scared by a clown when you were three?
Dont tell me, I dont want to know!
And then he smiled and walked away.
It seems to be a feature of Spielbergs films that the young actors tend to be so good.
Has he just got a good knack for picking people, or is it something in his direction?
I think he is very good at casting roles and choosing actors.
Was it much of a stretch to play someone with an adolescent crush on Sam Neill?
No, I remember thinking he was quite handsome!
And after that, that was quite a part of my character.
These dinosaurs were so life-like, and so I got the chance to relate to them in person.
In fact, when the T-rex was crashing down on the Jeep, it really was.
And they had to do a bit of dinosaur dental work between the takes!
And I went, and it was an experience…
So I have a raptor forearm in my collection!
Why do you think the film resonated with people so strongly at the time, and still does?
I was painting early on, and now Im a professional portrait artist.
What does your painting give you creatively that you dont get from working in cinema?
I see myself as coming a bit of my own director, so to speak!
Are you still interested in acting as well?
Oh, yes being interested in acting never changes.
Acting is in your blood, and of course Ill always be interested in it.
I played a cheerleader who was bulimic, and troubled… it was an interesting challenge.
So have you actually sat and watchedJurassic Parkrecently, with this re-release having come along?
Ariana Richards, thank you very much.
The Jurassic Park Ultimate Trilogy is out now on Blu-ray.
