How has our relationship to technology changed over time?
One striking comparison to be made between the two film versions of The Time Machine is the purpose of the development of new technology. The time machine in the 1960 film version is the result of a man following his curiosity and passion for new knowledge, without consideration for commercializing his product or using it to promote national interests (the war in South Africa in this case.) In the 2002 version, the technology isn’t developed for advancement of human knowledge, but for the purpose of an single relationship – a human connection. This distinction is apparent in how the machine is revealed. In the 1960 version, the time traveler gathers a group of four men and presents his discovery in a rational, academic dialogue. The men are then given the opportunity to weigh in on the invention and, using reason, accept or reject the advancement. In the 2002 version, the time machine is a hidden, personal endeavor. It’s success is not determined by its acceptance into society or the academic community, but by the machine’s ability to save a life.
I agree with much of what you said. I think that in the latter film, the machine is hidden because I think our concept of greed is much more evolved than when the first movie was created. I think that if the main character in the second movie had informed others of the time machine and no one wanted to use it or at least see it, our analytical minds could not comprehend that – thus making the movie unrealistic.
Yes, but the inventor in the second movie comes across (to me) as selfish and self serving and that that appeals to us as viewers now.
Interesting observation! In the 2002 version, he didn’t even seem to care whether others accept his ideas.
I loved this distinction of the different impetuses for the creation of the time machine in the two versions.
Awesome! I love the “commercializing his product” concept.
Great point. In the 1960 version, though, I would argue that the Time Traveler isn’t solely engaged in an academic dialogue with colleagues who can accept or reject his invention, but instead is pushing them towards modernization and assumes a perspective in which technology is necessarily good. It seems that the personalities of the Time Travelers friends are reflective of their age, and the Time Traveler keeps looking to the younger Filby, seemingly more modern in dress and accent, for support.