People rightly talk about the film's groundbreaking digital effects, but the heart of Jurassic Park is the scientist overwhelmed with awe at seeing the creatures he's studied his whole life alive and in the flesh. And it doesn't work unless Sam Neill sells the hell out it.
Jurassic Park would not have been the same without Sam Neill's Grant, among his many, many roles. The magic of witnessing the Brachiosaurus would not have been the same without Sam Neill.
I can't imagine how many others were inspired by him.
RIP Sam Neill...
friendly reminder that carcinization only applies to arthropods. mammals turn into mustelids, reptiles turn into snakes, and fish turn into. fish ("fish" is itself a paraphyletic grouping)