Dinosaur 13

Dinosaur 13

Year: 2014

Runtime: 95 min

Language: English

Director: Todd Douglas Miller

AdventureDramaThrillerDocumentary

In 1990, paleontologist Peter Larson led a team that unearthed the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever discovered. This monumental find ignited a fierce dispute with the U.S. government, prominent museums, and rival paleontologists, all vying for ownership of the prized fossil. The team’s struggle to secure their discovery also brought them into conflict with Native American tribes and forced them to confront the complexities of scientific ambition and the preservation of cultural heritage.

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Timeline & Setting – Dinosaur 13 (2014)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Dinosaur 13 (2014). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1990s

The events of the movie span from the unearthing of Sue in 1990 through a tumultuous decade of legal battles. This period was marked by significant developments in paleontology, as well as growing public interest in fossil discoveries. The legal complexities surrounding Sue's ownership also reflect broader themes of land rights and historical agreements.

Location

Badlands of South Dakota, Rapid City, New York City

The film's primary setting is the Badlands of South Dakota, known for its unique rock formations and rich fossil beds. It was here that the famed T. Rex specimen, Sue, was unearthed. Rapid City serves as a nearby hub for transporting and securing the fossil. New York City becomes significant later on as the auction site for Sue, highlighting the fossil's cultural impact.

🌄 Badlands 🏙️ Rapid City 🗽 New York City

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:22

Main Characters – Dinosaur 13 (2014)

Meet the key characters of Dinosaur 13 (2014), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Pete Larson

Pete Larson is a passionate and dedicated paleontologist leading the excavation of Sue. His determination and expertise shine through as he navigates both the thrill of discovery and the challenges posed by legal battles. Pete's character embodies the spirit of scientific exploration, despite facing significant personal and professional hurdles.

🦖 Paleontologist 💼 Leader

Maurice Williams

Maurice Williams, the landowner, plays a crucial role in the legal battles surrounding Sue. Initially appearing as a willing participant in the sale, his evolution throughout the film reveals layers of complexity as he grapples with cultural heritage and rightful ownership. His character reflects the tension between indigenous rights and legal constraints.

🏞️ Landowner ⚖️ Controversial

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:22

Major Themes – Dinosaur 13 (2014)

Explore the central themes of Dinosaur 13 (2014), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice

The film explores themes of justice and legal rights, particularly surrounding land ownership and the implications of fossil discoveries. The decade-long legal battles highlight the struggles faced by the Black Hills Institute against federal claims. Ultimately, the resolution reflects the complexities of legal systems and how they impact individual lives.

🦖 Discovery

The movie underscores the thrill of scientific discovery, epitomized by the uncovering of Sue, the most complete T. Rex ever found. This narrative of discovery is not just about the fossil itself but also showcases the dedication and expertise of the paleontologists involved. It celebrates the pursuit of knowledge within paleontology and the wonder of ancient life.

🏛️ Cultural Heritage

Sue's story illuminates the cultural significance of fossils as part of our natural heritage. The auction and subsequent display of Sue underscore the intersection of science, commerce, and public fascination with dinosaurs. This theme raises questions about the ownership and ethical implications of celebrating such significant finds.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:22

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Legal Battles Against the System like in Dinosaur 13

True stories of ordinary people fighting powerful institutions in court.Find movies like Dinosaur 13 that chronicle tense, real-life legal conflicts. If you were captivated by the fight for the T-Rex Sue, explore other documentaries and dramas about high-stakes courtroom battles, government overreach, and the perseverance of individuals challenging powerful institutions.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow a linear, steady-paced chronology of a legal dispute, beginning with a major discovery or event that triggers conflict. The narrative escalates through investigation, indictment, and courtroom proceedings, placing immense pressure on the protagonists and testing their resolve over a long period.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here based on their shared focus on a specific type of conflict: a lengthy, high-intensity legal battle where David must confront Goliath. They share a tense, frustrating tone, a heavy emotional weight due to the personal cost of the fight, and often a bittersweet resolution.

Bittersweet Documentaries of Passion like in Dinosaur 13

Real-life stories where the pursuit of a dream leads to profound personal cost.Explore documentaries similar to Dinosaur 13, which capture the thrilling discovery and subsequent heartbreaking struggle of a passion project. If you appreciated the story of ambition, cultural conflict, and bittersweet resolution, discover other true stories about monumental achievements overshadowed by complex and painful consequences.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows a classic rise and fall structure, beginning with the euphoria of a significant achievement. This is soon complicated by external forces—be they legal, ethical, or corporate—leading to a devastating conflict. The journey concludes not with clear victory, but with a complex, bittersweet acknowledgment of what was gained and what was irrevocably lost.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their emotional arc: they begin with hope and ambition, descend into tense conflict and heavy emotional weight, and resolve with a poignant, bittersweet feeling. They share a steady pacing that allows the full impact of the tragedy to unfold, making the viewer deeply feel the injustice alongside the subjects.

Unlock the Full Story of Dinosaur 13

Don't stop at just watching — explore Dinosaur 13 in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Dinosaur 13 is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Dinosaur 13 Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Dinosaur 13, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Dinosaur 13 Summary

Dinosaur 13 Timeline

Track the full timeline of Dinosaur 13 with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Dinosaur 13 Timeline

Dinosaur 13 Spoiler-Free Summary

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Dinosaur 13 Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Dinosaur 13

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