More tributes to Michael Crichton
By Marjorie Kehe | 11.06.08
The press is flooded today with tributes to Michael Crichton. Many marvel at the breadth of his accomplishments.
(”He has written eight novels, four works of nonfiction – ranging in subject from Jasper Johns to ‘electronic life’ – and has directed the movies ‘Westworld,’ ‘Coma’ and ‘The Great Train Robbery.’ On top of all that, he graduated Harvard Medical School and, in 1969, was a post-doctoral fellow at the Salk Institute in La Jolla,’ ” marveled an interviewer writing in the Los Angeles Times.)
That was 16 years ago in 1992 – when Crichton was only 49.
And of course some are critical. “Reviewers often complained that Crichton’s characters were wooden, that his ear for dialogue was tin and that his science was suspect. Environmentalists raged against his skeptical views on climate change, first expressed in the 2004 novel “State of Fear” and subsequently in various public forums,” notes the International Herald Tribune.
But some of the most memorable involve personal reminiscences. Many who interviewed Crichton in person noted his height (some say 6′ 7″, others insist he was 6′ 9″), his good looks, and his shyness. But others note his deep interest in everything around him – including other people.
On NPR’s website, Linton Weeks recalls a morning meeting with Crichton in Manhattan in 1999. The two ambled up the Upper West Side together to Cafe des Artistes. “In a gray suit, dark tie and wire-rim glasses, Crichton was dressed like an off-duty professor, which he was in a way,” remembers Weeks. “He stooped a little as we ambled along — so I wouldn’t feel too short. He was softspoken and courtly. ”
But what Weeks remembers best is his curiosity. “Some of us reporters who spend our days listening to other people describe their lives and dreams are struck when a subject asks questions about us,” he notes. “It’s a rare occurrence and, for efficiency’s sake, not to be indulged. But it does separate the curious from the merely vain. Crichton was super-curious and asked all kinds of questions.”
On the Macworld website there is also a nice remembrance from Rob Griffiths who recalls a 2001 e-mail exchange with Crichton. They had never met in person, but Griffiths at one point founded a website with hints for using the then-new Mac OS X. The website was popular and eventually expensive to maintain, so Griffiths (who was doing it as a hobby) decided to ask users for contributions.
One of the first to e-mail and volunteer a check was Crichton. Unsure that the e-mail was really from THE Michael Crichton, Griffiths asked, half-jokingly, for an autographed book along with the check.
“No problem,” said Crichton, who shortly sent along an autographed copy of “Timeline.” Crichton had also taken a moment to write and insert a card.
“Today, seven years on, I still have the book and card, and now, with Michael’s passing, will treasure them more than ever,” writes Griffiths. “Michael, thank you for the wonderful entertainment you provided over the years – and for the individual support you provided to some guy running an OS X Web site as a hobby back in 2001. The world has lost a great talent, and you will be sorely missed.”
Comments
3. Val McNulty | 11.06.08
What sad news to hear of Michael Crichton’s passing. I am surprised that none of the posts that I’ve read mention my favorite book, TRAVELS. It may be the only non-scifi book that he wrote. It is a delightful autobiography and I laughed out loud both times that I read it! I am happy that I had the pleasure of telling him so when I met him at a booksigning a few years ago. I think he was a little surprised, but he told me then that he was planning to write another similar book. I wonder if he ever did. I knew him well through that one book–what a great sense of humor and what keen insight. At the end of the book he says, “…if what you find is not right, keep looking until you get what you want.” Thank you.
4. Ken Kiefer | 11.06.08
I was saddened to learn of the passing of Michael Crichton.
I have enjoyed reading his books over the years and seeing many of the movies based on his novels.
I always looked forward to the release of his latest book.
I see that there is one last book I can look forward to reading.
In my view, the world has lost one of its best contemporary storytellers.
Thanks Dr. Crichton for all of your stories.
I also would like to pass along my condolences to his family on their loss.
5. Janet Bay | 11.06.08
I wonder why none of the news releases mentioned what type of cancer Michael had and when it was diagnosed. Had there been any news releases about his illness?
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1. earlofcheddar | 11.06.08
One small correction: Jurassic Park was published in November 1990.