JohnDoe
Bryn
Brenton
HG Wells - Time After Time (1979)
Time After Time
DVD cover
Writer:Karl Alexander
Starring:Malcolm McDowell, David Warner, Mary Steenburgen,
"My name is H.G. Wells. I came here in a time machine of my own construction. I am pursuing Jack the Ripper, who escaped into the future in my machine." - HG Wells
The unofficial sequel to George Pal’s celluloid adaptation of H.G Wells' monumental novel The Time Machine. The premise is a ripper (pun intended
science fiction yarn that takes the foundation of the original and twists real life figures into fiction. "I have to write all these books, whatever they are. Hopefully fiction." - HG Wells
Time after Time begins in the early 1890’s with the imaginative genius H G Wells (Malcolm McDowell) actually in possession of the fantastical quantum shifting contraption from his tale.
In the same period Jack the Ripper (David Warner) stalks the night streets, slitting harlots throats' and torsos with medical precision. On the run and desperate he escapes capture by stealing Wells’ fourth dimension transport and ends up in 1970’s San Francisco.
A few clever plot devices later and Herbert G is in hot pursuit, destined for an alien era much more suited to his adversary and nothing like the utopia he once pictured in his minds eye.
This is an amoral, violent future that has endured two shocking world wars. It’s crammed with loud automobiles, flying machines, television and other endless inventions that have apparently polluted humanity.
"We don't belong here? On the contrary, Herbert. I belong here completely and utterly. I'm home." - Jack The Ripper
Intellect alone isn’t enough, suddenly forced to survive in a modern culture more interested in serving itself than others and all too eager to exploit the weak. It is no wonder Jack has the upper hand!
"Ninety years ago I was a freak. Today I'm an amateur." - Jack The Ripper
DVD cover
John Doe says:
A family favourite not taking itself too seriously by mixing the darker subject matter with an adventurous, light hearted and charming fish out of water foundation. Time After Time entertains and amuses more than frightens or chills, its concept ensures your enthralled and there are always clever what-if’s and social commentary popping up.
Directed with a homaging eye in the hue of classic Sherlock Holmes, Nicholas Myer (Star Trek 2, The Day After, The 7% Solution), does a good job of balancing the paradoxes and conceits with humour.
The screenplay and original novel toys with the mythology of its central pair of influential historical figures. The star crossed romance is unwanted at times but still has it’s place in the scheme of things.
Malcolm McDowell (Entourage, Heroes, A Clockwork Orange, If, Caligula) thrives in the quirky, eccentric genius demeanour and brings a vulnerable fragility to the role. David Warner (Twin Peaks, Tron, Time bandits, Ther Omen, Cross Of Iron, Straw Dogs) is a great villain in the Hammer horror mode; all his scenes have an edge that lingers.
Mary Steenbergen (Powder, Whats Eating Gilbert Grape) must have got déjà vu on the set of Back To The Future III, there are a lot of similarities between her part here and as Clara in the Zemeckis film.
The original 1960’s Time Machine was a life changing event for a young John Doe, it opened his mind to all sorts of new ideas and possibilities. Though not even close to the same standard (maybe a guilty pleasure) Time after Time still allowed him to continue on the same magical train of thought.
Now its faults are more apparent, namely the lagging in the middle and the lighter tone, but the performances, ingenuity and obvious love for the material that the filmmakers provide makes for a good B side on an H.G Double bill.
The DVD:
Transfer: 2:35:1 Widescreen/2.0 Dolby Digital
Extras: Anecdotal and scene specific commentary by Malcolm McDowell and Director Nicholas Myer, Concepts of Time essay and Trailers.
Couldn't find any footage from the film so instead here's an amusing clip with Michael J Fox talking about the original Time Machine Prop.
I actually own this movie on VHS but now that i's out on DVD I have to go get it!
This is one fantastic movie, but unfortunetly not too well known...
Great review!
Maybe people will check it out! They certainly won't be disappointed...
Take care,
Nick
Film & TV on DVD
Totally with you, I loved this as a kid and the DVD is quite a schmick transfer...The commentary will give you a chuckle.
Nice to know Im not the only one who has a soft spot for this one...now what do you think of War Games?
Hope all is cool in your world.
Horrorphile