Review of The Time Machine (1960) by Simon D — 05 Sep 2014

Something of a sci-fi classic movie, The Time Machine does look a little gaudy and dated by todays standards. It is, however a fun and compelling story. Based on the HG Wells tale, we follow the adventures of a Victorian scientist who has built for himself an elaborate machine that enables him to journey into the future, observing all the changes that happen around him as he goes.

Periodically he stops off for a look around and it here that I feel that the film suffers somewhat in that these scenes are rather fleeting and underdeveloped. Rod taylor makes a suitably square-jawed hero with his futuristic girlfriend portrayed charmingly by Yvette Mimieux.

The fact that her characters name, Weena, now raises a snigger is unfortunate but a symptom of a smutty sense of humour. This movie comes into its own with the far-future settings with the monstrous Morlocks, Wells' vision of the working class.

They really are quite effective and creepy with their blue skin and glowing eyes. This movie did win the Oscar for best special effects in the year of release and there are some lovely examples of stop motion animation as well as practical effects.

The Time Machine still stands as an important chapter in the development of cinematic effects and has a lot to offer in terms of entertainment.