The Time Machine (1960)

Director: George Pal

Starring: Rod Taylor, Alan Young, Yvette Mimieux

A man’s vision for a utopian society is disillusioned when travelling forward into time reveals a dark and dangerous society.

Yeah, this definitely needed a remake. While the visual effects are impressive to this day, the story lacked reason and vision. I therefore can’t help but compare this film to the 2002 remake starring Guy Pearce, and this review will be a comparison review.

In this 1960 film, the only reason inventor George Wells (Rod Taylor) invents the time machine, is because he has the means to do so, and because he wants to see what the future holds for humanity. In the 2002 version, our inventor and mathematician is Alexander Hartdegen (Guy Pearce) who wants to go back in time to prevent his girlfriend’s death. In the process the film has a deeper meaning and more emotional edge to it, and we root for Alexander all the way hoping he will succeed. What happens to him afterwards, is as a result of his obsession to save his girlfriend.

In the 1960 film, our hero is far too passive, and for big parts of the movie he merely sits in his time machine watching time goes by. There is a lot more action and urgency in the 2002 remake. The underground creatures, the Morlocks, are creepy and dangerous beasts in the new version, while they are anything but scary in the 1960 version. Sure, back in the day they might have frightened audiences, but today they’re more funny than scary.

One thing I can’t understand about either of the two versions, is the fact they mention in both films that there are no older people among them anymore. In the 2002 film, it is said “they have gone from this place”, while the 1960 version simply says “there are no older people”. If the Morlocks were taking the older people, it would have made sense, but in both movies they randomly pick their victims/prey. So it still doesn’t make sense to me why there are no older people. Why mention this if it plays no part in the story?

Back in 1960 this must have been an awesome movie, and yes, it does have a good climax. The 2002 film is one of my favourite movies, and one I’d watch again and again, while I doubt I will give this 1960 film a repeat viewing. (If you enjoy watching vintage movies, this is still worth a watch.)

‘The Time Machine’ (1960) won the Oscar for Best Special Effects.

Would I watch it again? No.