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

The problem of language is ignored in this movie, having a French-speaking character. In the novel, however, it is stated that, as in reality, people in 1357 did not speak modern English or French, but Occitane, a language in which Andre Marek (Gerard Butler) is fluent, according to the book. Also, the novel describes some high-tech translator devices the characters put in their ears, which also is absent in this movie.

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Goofs

They are told that no modern equipment can go through the wormhole, however - they are bringing the markers - which are electronic and also a grenade.

The markers should not work at all - if in actuality, they would have to depend on other data connection to transfer them back, which did not exist at that time.

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Quotes

Marek: [after De Kere cuts his ear, he realizes he's the one in the sarcophagus] It's me! IT'S ME!

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Connections

Featured in The Textures of 'Timeline' (2004)

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Soundtracks

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

User Reviews

If this concept interests you, take the time to read the book.

I rented this movie knowing that is it based on a Michael Crichton book. The Movie was somewhat entertaining if you could get past the acting. The sets and the costumes were done well and the battle scenes were plausible. However if you read the book there is so much more to explore with the characters and the action. This book was written so it could be a movie. Ten years down the road this should be remade for justice sake. A mini series on could be in order because of the additional scenes that would be needed. And no I am not naive, I know that in any adaptation sacrifices must be made but I feel that because they got a big name to play Chris the centered the movie around him when it is clearly better balanced in the book. I am not a book snob but I saw so much potential in this concept that I felt that the movie was unfinished. That is why I read the book. Judge for your self.

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