The Time Machine (2002)

Hoping to alter the events of the past, a 19th century inventor instead travels 800,000 years into the future, where he finds humankind divided into two warring races.

Director:

Simon Wells

Writers:

H.G. Wells (novel), David Duncan (earlier screenplay)

Stars:

Guy Pearce, Yancey Arias, Mark Addy

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 2 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Guy Pearce	...	Alexander Hartdegen
Mark Addy	...	David Philby
Phyllida Law	...	Mrs. Watchit
Sienna Guillory	...	Emma
Laura Kirk	...	Flower Seller
Josh Stamberg	...	Motorist
John W. Momrow	...	Fifth Avenue Carriage Driver
Max Baker	...	Robber
Jeffrey M. Meyer	...	Central Park Carriage Driver
Jeremy Irons	...	Über-Morlock
Alan Young	...	Flower Store Worker
Myndy Crist	...	Jogger
Connie Ray	...	Teacher
Orlando Jones	...	Vox
Lennie Loftin	...	Soldier #1

Storyline

Based on the classic sci-fi novel by H.G. Wells, scientist and inventor, Alexander Hartdegen, is determined to prove that time travel is possible. His determination is turned to desperation by a personal tragedy that now drives him to want to change the past. Testing his theories with a time machine of his own invention, Hartdegen is hurtled 800,000 years into the future, where he discovers that mankind has divided into the hunter - and the hunted.

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Plot Keywords:

time travel | abduction | bowler hat | scientist | time traveller | 

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Taglines:

Where Would You Go?

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action violence

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film takes place on January 18, 1899, on February 3, 1903, on May 24, 2030, on August 26, 2037, in July 802,701, in 635,427,810 and on February 10, 1903.

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Goofs

The amount of geologic change that occurs in the movie over the span of 800,000 years is far too great for that passage of time. Glaciation and valley formation shown in the movie would take place over millions of years, not hundreds of thousands.

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Quotes

Alexander Hartdegen: You were right, Philby. I did go too far.

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Connections

References The War of the Worlds (1953)

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Soundtracks

See Me Dance the Polka
Written by George Grossmith

User Reviews

We 4 hard critics actually liked this film! Great music, and more...

The four of us are in the 40 - 50 age range, and we are fairly tough what we like and do not like in films. It was Friday night and we wanted entertainment. We read the comments below - mostly, but not all negative - and decided to take a gamble. Arriving at the cinema, we were prepared for a bad movie but hoping for 'a good relaxing time'. Well, we *did* like this film! Not a top box office smash or even an 8 out of 10, but entertaining nevertheless. The MUSIC was superb. ACTING was fine. HISTORIC life portrayed in old Cambridge Massachusetts was realistic - even the snow and cold weather was real. The ROMANCE was acceptable. The STORY, while not closely following H G Well, was good enough. The SPECIAL EFFECTS were very good indeed. It is worth a gamble, to see this film. But go with a light heart and an acceptable frame of mind, and keep your expectations below that of a 10 out of 10 film.

Details

Country:

USA United Arab Emirates

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 March 2002 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Time Machine

Filming Locations:

Rockefeller Hall, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$80,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$22,610,437, 10 March 2002

Gross USA:

$56,832,494

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$123,729,176

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros., Dreamworks Pictures, Parkes/MacDonald Image Nation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital DTS SDDS

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1