Timeline (2003)

A group of archaeologists become trapped in the past when they go there to retrieve a friend. The group must survive in 14th century France before they can escape back to the 21st 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 Paul Walker and Frances O'Connor use a "3-D fax machine" (so much for technobabble!) to time-travel back to France in 1357, in hopes of retrieving Walker's father 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 travelers find their body count rising, and the deadline for their return home is rapidly approaching.

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Plot Keywords:

time machine | professor | student | france | castle | 

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Taglines:

They had to travel into the past to save the future

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for intense battle sequences and brief language

Details

Official Sites:

Paramount UIP [France]

Country:

USA

Language:

English French

Release Date:

26 November 2003 (USA)

Also Known As:

Prisonniers du temps

Filming Locations:

Harrington, Québec, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

$80,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$8,440,629, 30 November 2003, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$19,481,943

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$24,453,820

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures, Mutual Film Company, Donners' Company

Technical Specs

Runtime:

116 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Doniger's death is much darker in the book. In it, he is sent to Castlegard during the time of the Black Plague, the chapter ending with him finding some death bodies and starting coughing.

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Goofs

When Chris and Kate are in the monastery in 14th century France, and first discover the tunnel and start to crawl through it, one of them knocks over a candle. In the next shot it is back standing upright, as if it was never knocked over, without anyone picking it up.

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Quotes

[reading sign on Marek's sarcophagus]
Professor Johnston: Died 1382.
Kate Ericson: Born 1971.

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Connections

Featured in Industrial Light & Magic: Creating the Impossible (2010)

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Soundtracks

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

User Reviews

Enjoyed It

I truly enjoyed this movie. It really isn't as bad as most of the reviews I've read make it out to be. It was not horrible or a waste of time. I rented it first and liked it so much I bought it. I'd recommend it for anyone who enjoys Sci-Fi movies for their entertainment value. I haven't read the book, so I can't make any comparisons. I think the whole story came together smoothly. Overall the acting was good, however Paul Walker would probably benefit from a few more classes. Gerard Butler was awesome in his role as Marek. I have a feeling we'll be seeing a lot him in the future (no pun intended). I loved the beginning, the end, and everything in between. I give it a strong 8.