Cast
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Guy Pearce
as Alexander Hartdegen
Samantha Mumba
as Mara
Omero Mumba
as Kalen
Jeremy Irons
as Über-Morlock
Sienna Guillory
as Emma
Orlando Jones
as Vox
Mark Addy
as David Filby
Phyllida Law
as Mrs. Watchett
Laura Kirk
as Flower Seller
Josh Stamberg
as Motorist
John W. Momrow
as Fifth Avenue Carriage Driver
Max Baker
as Robber
Jeffrey M. Meyer
as Central Park Carriage Driver
Alan Young
as Flower Store Worker
Myndy Crist
as Jogger
Crew
Director
- Simon Wells
Producer
- David Valdes
- Walter F. Parkes
Reviews
JPV852
Some interesting and even ambitious aspects but this sci-fi thriller was pretty uneven while the visual effects were also a mixed bag from being fairly impressive for its time (20 years now) to pretty shoddy. On the plus side, Guy Pearce was good in the lead. This one also reminded me when Orlando Jones was in a good amount of movies (18 between 1998-2004). IDK, this is one that did keep me entertained. **3.0/5**
Jun 4, 2022
GenerationofSwine
I don't know how to approach this one.
"The Time Machine" is one of those stories that, rereading it, beings back vivid memories. One of my best friends in high school loaned it to me, I stored it away in my backpack for about a month and then...when we had a field trip to The Board of Trade, I scrounged it out and read it on the train ride.
It was one of those stories that is so short I could rip through it in the hour and fifteen minutes between our small town and Chicago. To this day, every time I go back to it, it brings me back to 1997 and, to this day, I distinctly remember finishing it about the time the train stopped and I remember walking into the crowded city feeling like I was in a different world. The story had moved me out of reality so much Chicago seemed jarring.
And then they made it into a movie, a remake of a movie and, watching it, I don't know, I didn't have that same sense of being in a totally different world that the book gave me...
And the movie, in my mind, has to live up to that experience in some small way. Or at least give you that feeling that same feeling that the world was still spinning that one gets when they walk out of a movie and discover that it had rained.
It's an engrossing story and The Time Machine didn't seem to whisk me away like the book did. I can't help but feel it deserved better.
It felt like I was watching a movie and, honestly, it gave me the same since that Jackson's King Kong did, it felt like it was trying and horribly, miserably failed.
I left feeling "meh," and that was after being excited walking into it, I mean, I read it in 1997 and they made a movie in 2002 and, I was expecting the same feeling. I had waited long enough.
So, I don't know, I may be overly harsh on it just because I loved what the story did to me so much, the first time I read it and now, as an adult, it doesn't take me to another world, it takes me back to 1997 again, and high school, and that hour fifteen minute train ride to Chicago.
So ultimately, it could be a halfway decent film that I just hate because the story had such a jarring effect on me when I first encountered it.
Jan 14, 2023
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Science Fiction/Adventure/Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, The Time Machine distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Simon Wells brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2002, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Time Machine took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $80.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 132 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 72 unique compositions.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2002, when this film is released:
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Time Machine shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, which focuses more on action than character development, The Time Machine offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and The Man with the Golden Gun explore similar territory, The Time Machine stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 4, 2002
- Runtime: 1h 36m
- Budget: $80,000,000
- Revenue: $123,700,000
Where to Watch
