The Time Machine (2002)
Posted by Heather on April 30, 2008
Directed By: Simon Wells
Written By: David Duncan
Based On the Novel By: H.G. Wells
In the early 19th century a heartbroken inventor named Alexendar Hartdegan (Guy Pearce) creates a time machine to go back in time and save his fiance (Phyllida Law) from her imminent death. His plans run awry and it seems to matter what Hartdegan does, the result is the same: his fiance dies. Now his genius curiosity turns obsessive as he heads to the future hoping someone would have discovered the mysteries of time and have an answer, or even more compelling, a way to change her fate. What he discovers is a world that is nothing like his, with advancements far beyond his comprehension and yet they still have no understanding of time travel. Hartdegan pushes forward further in time only to discover that technology does not equal knowledge and mankind has nearly destroyed their own existence. Hartdegan passes out in an attempt to escape the destruction of Earth and when he awakens finds himself 800,000 years in the future, in a world that is not what it once was.
This film offered many surprises. It was a view recommended by my fellow critic Jeff that I never inquired about. During the years this movie was prevalent I worked in video stores and for some reason I felt like I should recall some kind of promotion for it, but nothing at all came to mind, and so I was boggled by the entire presentation of the movie. Initially, it seemed to be a dramatic time piece centered around a love story, until it became clear that this was a science fiction film taking a perspective on the possible evolution of humanity. The scope and depth of the film completely astounded me.
The catalyst that pushed Guy Pearce so intensely to reveal the secret behind destiny and fate felt strong and realistic enough to push the tale forward. The lack of explanation to how he discovered to make a time machine during an age where technology was considerably behind even what it was today, is easily ignored as the details don’t play into the nucleus of the story. What’s important is understanding that the time machine existed and it was even reflected on in the future when he realized even hundreds of years later no one had discovered the secrets of time travel. The focus was on watching mankind’s fervor for discovery and technology mark their own demise. Then even further into the future learning the awful truth of what mankind’s greed cost him.
Some of the supporting actors were a little off the mark, especially playing against the brilliant talents of Guy Pearce who owned his role fully, but in general it was easily overlooked because this film always had something new and different to distract you from any plot holes or less than savory acting. The beautiful shots of landscapes and the amazing cracking of the moon were absolutely stunning. The makeup of the creatures was original and frightening. Just an added thought, Jeremy Irons character looks largely like the villains from Stargate Atlantis called The Wraith. Pretty interesting. 
The Time Machine was a very different movie that stemmed from an amazing ideal in the novel The Time Machine by H.G. Wells. While it had it’s faults and down-points it in general was a very engaging film that not only kept the viewer guessing, but inspired you to look deeper into the very destructive existence of man. I found this to be a very enjoyable movie. A pleasant surprise. Two and a Half out of Three stars.
