Steven Spielberg described making 1993’s Jurassic Park alongside Schindler’s List as a source of resentment and anger, because he had to divide his attention between two radically different films. The experience matters because both became defining successes in his career, despite the considerable creative and emotional strain involved in completing them at the same time.

While filming Schindler’s List in Poland, Spielberg repeatedly travelled home to review Jurassic Park effects footage via an early satellite link. He said switching from the Holocaust drama’s emotional weight to scenes of dinosaurs chasing vehicles felt burdensome, although he later expressed gratitude for the outcome; Jurassic Park became a global blockbuster, while Schindler’s List won seven Academy Awards.