The Time Machine (AKA: H.G. Wells' The Time Machine) is produced and directed by George Pál. It's adapted by David Duncan from the debut novel of the same name written by H. G. Wells in 1895. It stars Rod Taylor, Alan Young and Yvette Mimieux. It received the Academy Award for Best Effects, Special Effects (Gene Warren and Tim Baar) for the time-lapse photographic effects showing the world changing rapidly. The story sees Taylor as George, a man from Victorian England who constructs a time travelling machine and uses it to travel to the future. Thru World Wars and on to what awaits mankind in the year 802, 701.
We should perhaps start with H. G. Wells the author, the man who broke free from his poverty strewn life to become a social reformer and much revered author. His novel The Time Machine is bleakly dystopian, a cautionary tale about how things will be real bad if things continue on this already rocky path, and also it is a caustic attack on the British class system. Wells was, in short, not crafting a shlocky science fiction page turner to dip in and out of at bathroom time. So it's unlikely he could have envisaged that one day one of his most finest works world be visualised as a moving picture for all the family to enjoy! On to 1960 and the colourful adaptation of his novel, a boys own fable in essence but still retaining the basic spirit at heart.
Here in lies the crux of the matter with Pál's movie, well it's two fold really. One is that if you are after very serious sci-fi picture, then you should perhaps know better than to expect it here. The other is that if you are the sort of person who dislikes old film's because the effects aren't in keeping with todays whizz bang special effects? Well you are advised to go rent the 2002 version with the Wells purists instead. Pál has crafted a wholesome family entertainer. Not lacking in creative flair, Pál's movie contains a rich and interesting plot, thoughtful dialogue and a bona fide enjoyable performance from the square jawed Taylor. There's been complaints about the pacing, but I don't see that myself. There's periods of talk and reflection, of course, I mean we surely want some science to go with a story about time travel! While to hurtle towards the finale before addressing thematics in the Eloi/Morlock blonde infused World of 802, 701 would be just plain wrong. Even for a popcorn piece.
Away from the charming (not creaky) effects, the set design is pleasant, as is the lost art of model work, while the actual Time Machine itself a lovely ode to Victorian gaudiness. Pál has put his own stamp on a terrific source, his vim and vigour shines thru to give us a smart and perky period piece. For sure it has hokey moments, if you don't laugh once then I'd be very surprised. Whilst in the form of Mimieux's Eloian babe Weena, there's cause for much discussion with the ladies in your audience about the portrayal of Women in the future!! The film has now got a quality DVD release, with a smooth polished transfer, where the colour pings from the screen and the audio is crisper than ever. The latter greatly enhancing Russell Garcia's memorable score. In the extras is a 50 minute bonus with The Time Machine: The Journey Back. Hosted by Taylor it's indispensable, you can see the love and affection Taylor has for the movie. But most of all it's a little vignette at the end of the documentary that fans need to see. What is it? Hah, you will have to buy the DVD to find out. It's worth it, tho, for this is a smashing and charming little movie. 7.5/10
We should perhaps start with H. G. Wells the author, the man who broke free from his poverty strewn life to become a social reformer and much revered author. His novel The Time Machine is bleakly dystopian, a cautionary tale about how things will be real bad if things continue on this already rocky path, and also it is a caustic attack on the British class system. Wells was, in short, not crafting a shlocky science fiction page turner to dip in and out of at bathroom time. So it's unlikely he could have envisaged that one day one of his most finest works world be visualised as a moving picture for all the family to enjoy! On to 1960 and the colourful adaptation of his novel, a boys own fable in essence but still retaining the basic spirit at heart.
Here in lies the crux of the matter with Pál's movie, well it's two fold really. One is that if you are after very serious sci-fi picture, then you should perhaps know better than to expect it here. The other is that if you are the sort of person who dislikes old film's because the effects aren't in keeping with todays whizz bang special effects? Well you are advised to go rent the 2002 version with the Wells purists instead. Pál has crafted a wholesome family entertainer. Not lacking in creative flair, Pál's movie contains a rich and interesting plot, thoughtful dialogue and a bona fide enjoyable performance from the square jawed Taylor. There's been complaints about the pacing, but I don't see that myself. There's periods of talk and reflection, of course, I mean we surely want some science to go with a story about time travel! While to hurtle towards the finale before addressing thematics in the Eloi/Morlock blonde infused World of 802, 701 would be just plain wrong. Even for a popcorn piece.
Away from the charming (not creaky) effects, the set design is pleasant, as is the lost art of model work, while the actual Time Machine itself a lovely ode to Victorian gaudiness. Pál has put his own stamp on a terrific source, his vim and vigour shines thru to give us a smart and perky period piece. For sure it has hokey moments, if you don't laugh once then I'd be very surprised. Whilst in the form of Mimieux's Eloian babe Weena, there's cause for much discussion with the ladies in your audience about the portrayal of Women in the future!! The film has now got a quality DVD release, with a smooth polished transfer, where the colour pings from the screen and the audio is crisper than ever. The latter greatly enhancing Russell Garcia's memorable score. In the extras is a 50 minute bonus with The Time Machine: The Journey Back. Hosted by Taylor it's indispensable, you can see the love and affection Taylor has for the movie. But most of all it's a little vignette at the end of the documentary that fans need to see. What is it? Hah, you will have to buy the DVD to find out. It's worth it, tho, for this is a smashing and charming little movie. 7.5/10