THE TIME MACHINE
US, 1960, 101 minutes, Colour.
Rod Taylor, Yvette Mimieux, Alan Young, Sebastian Cabot.
Directed by George Pal.
The Time Machine has come to be considered as one of the better science-fiction films. It was directed by George Pal who won a number of Academy Awards for his special effects and who in the late 40s and early 50s was responsible for some imaginative science fiction films, such as Destination Moon, before science fiction became quite so respectable. Pal in his MGM period around 1960 was also responsible for special effects in such films as Tom Thumb, The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm. This film is an imaginative representation of H. G. Wells' story, Planet of the Apes. Rod Taylor brings his own style to the role of the hero. The special effects are very enjoyable and highlight the themes of civilizations in different times in the one place.
1. How enjoyable was this science fiction fantasy? How well produced? How valuable in its presentation and themes? The nature of science and the nineteenth century? The scientist playing God? The speculations about time and moving through time?
2. How impressive were the Oscar-winning special effects? The machine itself, the visual portrayal of the passing of time, new worlds, the disaster sequences?
3. What were the main audience responses to this film? As entertainment, as science fiction. as fantasy, as human drama? Audience response to a story of the 1890s? To H.G.Wells' speculation about time and its effect on man?
4. How important was the structure of the film? The flashback and audience knowing that George could come and go in time? Yet the mystery indicated by Philby in 1917 that George disappeared? The mysterious nature of moving through time but not space?
5. The film's comment on the transition from the nineteenth to the twentieth centuries? The role of scientists and the fascination of discovery and invention last century? The role of businessmen patronising the scientists? The sceptical businessmen in the fact of the visionary scientist?
6. How important was the character of Philby? His support of George and his friendship? His trying to protect him from disaster? The fact that the same actor portrayed Philby the son as old? What did this particular device add to the film?
7. How interesting a character was George himself? As a man who had endured the trip through time, as wanting the support of his peers? The scientist and the inventor? The man who wanted to face challenges? His disgust with the Boer War and wars? An idealist who discovered that men were the same at all times? His experience of the changing centuries? His discovery of 1917, of the 1960s, of the future? His response to the Eloi? His disgust at their apathy, his role as a saviour, his stirring them to action and to life? Why did he want to return? Just for Weena or for his own life?
8. How was time a character in the film? The gradual moving through time, the slow changes during 1900, the gradual speed, the model in the shop window, the house itself, the wars, the sense of journey?
9. What comment did the film make about the contrast between 1900 and 1917? The nature of war? People's response to war?
10. What comment did the film make on 1940? The fact that the world continued in war? But each time more devastating?
11. The film's judgment on 1966 and the sense of ultimate destruction? How anti-war was the film? How interesting was the portrayal of the Eloi? Their apathy, Weena's drowning, their banquet, their lack of interest in books, their following the sirens and going to their death, their inability to fight?
12. How attractive a heroine was Weena? In her trying to understand George? In his trying to understand her? In trying to get some vitality into her life? His willingness to return for her?
13. The portrayal of the Morlocks? As horror characters, as monsters, as oppressing mankind, the fights, the clashes, the fire?
14. The dramatic significance of George's return? The fact that he chose to return after seeing the future and reminding himself of his own time? Philby's inability to change his mind?
15. The film was released at the beginning of the 60s. What effect then as regards science and its advances? What impact now? Was this a good film? High quality science fiction
