‘Jurassic Park’: The Irony Behind 'Spared No Expense' Explained

For over thirty years, Steven Spielberg’s ‘Jurassic Park’ has remained a classic, revealing new facets with every viewing. One of the most memorable aspects is John Hammond’s declaration that he “spared no expense” in creating the park. This phrase, while intended to showcase his commitment to excellence, ironically highlights the park's many flaws, adding a layer of humour to the film.

Typically, when films age poorly, it’s due to outdated storylines or dialogue. However, in  ‘Jurassic Park’, the irony of Hammond’s claim becomes more pronounced with time. The character repeatedly asserts that he “spared no expense” in building the park. Yet, as the story unfolds, this claim comes into sharp contrast with the actual state of the park.

Image Courtesy: Prime Video

Hammond, portrayed with charm by Sir Richard Attenborough, is a well-meaning billionaire whose park falls apart due to inadequate preparation and cost-cutting. The disaster begins when the disgruntled hacker Dennis Nedry (Wayne Knight) disables the park’s security system to steal embryos, leading to chaos and unleashed dinosaurs. Despite Hammond’s claims, the park's lack of proper equipment and staffing—evident in the film’s critical moments—suggests that corners were indeed cut.

The phrase “spared no expense” is used five times throughout the film: during Hammond’s initial invitation to scientists, at a lunch meeting, while showing off a driverless jeep, during a control room tour, and finally, in a poignant moment where Hammond realizes the danger to his grandchildren. Each instance underscores the gap between Hammond’s promises and the park’s reality.

Image Courtesy: IGN

The irony extends to other details, such as Hammond's reluctance to invest in thorough inspections or proper staffing. These oversights contribute significantly to the park's downfall, making Hammond’s assertion seem hollow. While the film’s Hammond is portrayed as a misguided dreamer rather than a villain, Michael Crichton’s novel presents him as a more flawed and greedy character.

In essence, Hammond's line “spared no expense” has become a cultural touchstone, embodying the film’s message about the uncontrollable forces of nature, echoed by another iconic quote from the movie: “Life finds a way.”

–Farheen Ali