The Time Machine (1960/2002)

THE TIME MACHINE (PG)

D: George Pal

MGM/Galaxy (George Pal)

US 1960

103 mins

Science Fiction/Adventure

W: David Duncan [based on the novel by H.G. Wells]

DP: Paul C. Vogel

Ed: George Tomasini

Mus: Russell Garcia

PD: George W. Davis & William Ferrari

Rod Taylor (George Wells), Yvette Mimieux (Weena), Alan Young (David Filby/James Filby), Sebastian Cabot (Dr. Phillip Hillyer)

On the eve of 20th century, a Victorian inventor creates a time machine which propels him to the year 802701, where mankind has divided into two species, the peace-loving, languid Eloi, and carnivorous beasts known as Morlocks.

This treatment of H. G. Wells' classic novel is more a metaphor for the power of education and the importance of reading rather than the regular science fiction fare released around the same time. The production design and time-lapse special effects were quite remarkable considering the film's age, but feel incredibly dated now, nevertheless this is still streets ahead of the 2002 remake.

7/10

THE TIME MACHINE (12)

D: Simon Wells

Warner Bros./Dreamworks (Walter F. Parkes & David Valdes)

US 2002

96 mins

Science Fiction/Adventure

W: John Logan [based on the novel by H. G. Wells]

DP: Donald M. McAlpine

Ed: Wayne Wahrman

Mus: Klaus Badelt

PD: Oliver Scholl

Cos: Deena Appel & Bob Ringwood

Guy Pearce (Dr. Alexander Hartdegen), Samantha Mumba (Mara), Mark Addy (David Philby), Sienna Guillory (Emma), Phyllida Law (Mrs. Watchit), Jeremy Irons (The Über-Morlock), Orlando Jones (Vox 114)

Less a remake and more a complete re-write, relocating the setting from Victorian London to turn of the century New York City where an inventor creates a time machine in the hope of altering events in the past so he can save the woman he loves. When his meddling in the past proves fruitless, he travels 800,000 years into the future on a quest for answers, but receives none, and encounters two tribes of species, one peaceful and the other barbaric.

Though special effects & make up advancements serve the story to deliver better-looking incarnations of the Eloi & Morlocks from the 1960 film, this adaptation is let down by a shockingly dumbed-down narrative, annoying performances and a ridiculous futuristic dialect which sounds like it was ad-libbed on set.

The most disappointing thing of all is that this film was directed by the original author's own grandson, which must at least be considered some form of patricide. At the very least it proves that creative and intellectual genius isn't hereditary.

5/10