Anthony Hopkins
Welsh actor and director (born 1937)
Michael Crichton was a renowned American author, screenwriter, and filmmaker who wrote over 25 novels, many of which were adapted into successful films. His works often explored themes of technology, science, and human dominance over nature, with cautionary tales about the potential dangers of these advancements.
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About the Michael Crichton
John Michael Crichtonwas an American author, screenwriter and filmmaker. His books have sold over 200 million copies worldwide, and over a dozen have been adapted into films. His literary works heavily feature technology and are usually within the science fiction, techno-thriller, and medical fiction genres. Crichton’s novels often explore human technological advancement and attempted dominance over nature, both with frequently catastrophic results; many of his works are cautionary tales, especially regarding themes of biotechnology. Several of his stories center specifically around themes of genetic modification, hybridization, paleontology and/or zoology. Many feature medical or scientific underpinnings, reflective of his own medical training and scientific background.
Crichton received an M.D. from Harvard Medical School in 1969 but did not practice medicine, choosing to focus on his writing instead. Initially writing under a pseudonym, he eventually wrote 26 novels, including: The Andromeda Strain (1969), The Terminal Man (1972), The Great Train Robbery (1975), Congo (1980), Sphere (1987), Jurassic Park (1990), Rising Sun (1992), Disclosure (1994), The Lost World (1995), Airframe (1996), Timeline (1999), Prey (2002), State of Fear (2004), and Next (2006). Several novels, in various states of completion, were published after his death in 2008.
Crichton was also involved in the film and television industry. In 1973, he wrote and directed Westworld, the first film to use 2D computer-generated imagery. He also directed Coma (1978), The First Great Train Robbery (1978), Looker (1981), and Runaway (1984). He was the creator of the television series ER (1994-2009), and several of his novels were adapted into films, most notably the Jurassic Park franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Michael Crichton wrote 26 novels, including well-known works like The Andromeda Strain, Jurassic Park, and Sphere.
Michael Crichton received an M.D. from Harvard Medical School in 1969, but he chose to focus on his writing career instead of practicing medicine.
Crichton’s novels were often within the science fiction, techno-thriller, and medical fiction genres, and they frequently explored themes of technology, human advancement, and the consequences of attempting to dominate nature.
Over a dozen of Michael Crichton’s books were adapted into films, with the Jurassic Park franchise being one of his most well-known cinematic adaptations.
In addition to writing novels, Michael Crichton was also involved in the film and television industry. He wrote and directed the 1973 film Westworld, which was the first to use 2D computer-generated imagery, and he was the creator of the TV series ER.
Many of Michael Crichton’s stories centered around themes of genetic modification, hybridization, paleontology, and zoology, often with a focus on the potential dangers of scientific and technological advancements.
Michael Crichton passed away on November 4, 2008.
11 Quotes by Michael Crichton
- 1.
I tended to faint when I saw accident victims in the emergency ward, during surgery, or while drawing blood.
Michael CrichtonAmerican author, screenwriter, film director (1942-2008)
- 2.
In the information society, nobody thinks. We expect to banish paper, but we actually banish thought.
Michael CrichtonAmerican author, screenwriter, film director (1942-2008)
- 3.
They are focused on whether they can do something. They never think whether they should do something.
Michael CrichtonAmerican author, screenwriter, film director (1942-2008)
- 4.
Books aren’t written – they’re rewritten. Including your own. It is one of the hardest things to accept, especially after the seventh rewrite hasn’t quite done it.
Michael CrichtonAmerican author, screenwriter, film director (1942-2008)
- 5.
I am certain there is too much certainty in the world.
Michael CrichtonAmerican author, screenwriter, film director (1942-2008)
- 6.
Historically, the claim of consensus has been the first refuge of scoundrels; it is a way to avoid debate by claiming that the matter is already settled.
Michael CrichtonAmerican author, screenwriter, film director (1942-2008)
- 7.
The belief that there are other life forms in the universe is a matter of faith. There is not a single shred of evidence for any other life forms, and in forty years of searching, none has been discovered. There is absolutely no evidentiary reason to maintain this belief.
Michael CrichtonAmerican author, screenwriter, film director (1942-2008)
- 8.
Readers probably haven’t heard much about it yet, but they will. Quantum technology turns ordinary reality upside down.
Michael CrichtonAmerican author, screenwriter, film director (1942-2008)
- 9.
We all live every day in virtual environments, defined by our ideas.
Michael CrichtonAmerican author, screenwriter, film director (1942-2008)
- 10.
It’s not easy to cut through a human head with a hacksaw.
Michael CrichtonAmerican author, screenwriter, film director (1942-2008)
- 11.
Whenever you hear the consensus of scientists agrees on something or other, reach for your wallet, because you’re being had.
Michael CrichtonAmerican author, screenwriter, film director (1942-2008)