The Time Machine by Jules Verne might be one of the best known time travel stories there is. It has been turned into a movie several times as well. I remember seeing the 2002 version, which didn’t impress me and was wondering if this older version might be a bit better. Just like the subject of its story, the movie itself is a journey back in time. A time in which movies were made in a very different way compared to how its done today.
It’s something you notice immediately as a big part is shot on a soundstage, one which reminded me strongly of Mary Poppins. It gives the movie a nostalgic feeling, which perfectly fits its story which is about inventor H.G.Wells (Rod Taylor) who is trying to convince others that he has created a time travel machine. His friends don’t believe him, but he decides to try it out. While initially only travelling a short period ahead in time he eventually goes so far into the future that society as we know it has disappeared. It has completely changed and knowledge no longer seems to be appreciated. People also don’t seem to care about the fate of others. Wells saves Weena (Yvette Mimieux) from drowning and through her he slowly learns what is happening in the world she lives in and that there is a huge threat for everyone. When his time machine disappears he has to try to get it back and has to convince others (who are unwilling) to help him.
The Time Machine is a product of its time in which the threat of a nuclear war was real and it is a detail you also see in the film. The acting sometimes isn’t good (Yvette Mimieux doesn’t convince at all), but the film offers a great sense of adventure and wonder. The effects and clothing have aged badly, but if you can look past that The Time Machine offers enough to be enjoyed.
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen it as I thought it was pretty good. The 2002 version is fucking crap.
It was a first time watch for me and can imagine I would have liked it even more if I was young when I watched it for the first time.
The 1960 film is in my top 10 for that year, agree about the sense of adventure and wonder. To me holds up quite well as a piece of entertainment , despite 50 years old, I guess classics tend to have staying power. I’ve seen The Time Machine both as a child and as an adult, and enjoyed both times.
Nice, what other movies are on that list? Haven’t been watching much older stuff this year, so might have to dive into some others.
If you haven’t scrolled through my yearly top 10s yet, then that’s worth a look. Goes all the way back to 1920:
http://moviesandsongs365.blogspot.com/2010/04/yearly-top-10.html
Cool, will check those out.
I’ve never seen the 2002 version, and from everything I’ve heard, it’s wise to stay away. I caught up with this film a few years ago during a time travel marathon, and I enjoyed it. It’s goofy and has some bad acting, but it commits to the premise. I also love the mini time machine for his demonstration. That’s brilliant!
Yeah, I think it is. That mini time machine was awesome!
I love movies/TV shows about time travel, so I will definitely have to check this one out!
Please do Kristin!
Great review! I love this movie. That part where the store window changes fashions as he travels into the future is so iconic.
Thank you Mark. It’s a great scene isn’t it.
The Time. Machine was written by H G Wells not Jules Verne
Oops, my bad…one of those things I planned to fact check and forgot…