Timeline (2003)

A group of archaeologists become trapped in the past when they go there to retrieve a friend. The group must survive in fourteenth century France before they can escape back to the twenty-first century.

Director:

Richard Donner

Writers:

Michael Crichton (novel), Jeff Maguire (screenplay)

Stars:

Paul Walker, Gerard Butler, Billy Connolly

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Paul Walker	...	Chris Johnston
Frances O'Connor	...	Kate Ericson
Gerard Butler	...	Andre Marek
Billy Connolly	...	Professor Johnston
David Thewlis	...	Robert Doniger
Anna Friel	...	Lady Claire
Neal McDonough	...	Frank Gordon
Matt Craven	...	Steven Kramer
Ethan Embry	...	Josh Stern
Michael Sheen	...	Lord Oliver
Lambert Wilson	...	Lord Arnaut
Marton Csokas	...	Sir William De Kere / William Decker
Rossif Sutherland	...	François Dontelle
Steve Kahan	...	Baker
David La Haye	...	Arnaut's Deputy

Storyline

A group of archaeologists and combat experts led by Chris Johnston (Paul Walker) and Kate Ericson (Frances O'Connor) use a "3-D fax machine" to time-travel back to France in 1357, in hopes of retrieving Chris' father, Professor Edward Johnston (Sir Billy Connolly), and returning safely to the present. No such luck. Fending for themselves against marauding hordes of medieval French warriors at war with the invading British, these semi-intrepid travellers find their body count rising, and the deadline for their return home is rapidly approaching.

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Plot Keywords:

time machine | self experimentation | accidental time travel | backwards time travel | time travel into the past | 

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Taglines:

This fall you're history

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi | War

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for intense battle sequences and brief language

Did You Know?

Trivia

Producer and director Richard Donner had previously been one of four directors bidding to direct the movie adaptation of "Jurassic Park", before Michael Crichton chose Steven Spielberg.

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Goofs

When the group is first handed their markers, Kramer tells them, "You can use any one of them to call for your return at any time. Frank will explain the intricacies of how they work once you arrive. Most importantly, one marker will bring all of you back. Do not lose them." However, when Barreto is shot with the arrows, he presses his marker to return to the present time, but no one else is transported with him.

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Quotes

Kate Ericson: There's one thing worse than dying here, and that's living here.

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Connections

Referenced in The Ministry of Time: Tiempo de hidalgos (2016)

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Soundtracks

Just A Little Bad
Written and Performed by Vikkie Rae Jordan
Courtesy of Marc Ferrari/MasterSource

User Reviews

Another great story wasted.

Sorry, the book had so much potential to be turned into an awesome film. But this low-budget crap with pathetic screenplay, well, kinda dishonored Crichton. All the book-to-film changes (Yes, all!) slowly destroyed the film. Paul walker looks fine like Chris but he cannot act; and Frances O'Connor is a fine actress but the role of Kate isn't for her. Gerard Butler on the other hand might be one good thing in the whole film. The multiverse-travel scene is a total disaster. The character development of the lead people, and also Doniger, is left behind which took away much taste from the story.

Reading the book is more recommended.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English French

Release Date:

26 November 2003 (USA)

Also Known As:

Timeline

Filming Locations:

California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$80,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$8,440,629, 30 November 2003

Gross USA:

$19,481,943

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$43,935,763

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures, Mutual Film Company, Donners' Company

Technical Specs

Runtime:

116 min 187 min (DVD)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1