Time Travel & Technology

By reflecting on two movie clips adapted from H. G. Wells’ book The Time Machine, it becomes clear that our relationship with technology has changed drastically. In the 1960 version of the film directed by George Pal, several things are immediately apparent. Within the first fifteen minutes of film, there are no active women spoken of or mentioned, outside of the older lady who has made the men dinner. The only comments are on her usefulness of bringing mail (when something is said to the effect of “well woman, go on!”) and compliments on the cooking. This is important because it sheds light on the ideology that technology is assumed to be exclusively masculine. Not only does George invite just a few close male friends, but it is assumed that Mrs. Watchett would be excluded from the technological festivities. Additionally, there is an underlying mistrust felt by all characters except for George in relation to the new technology presented (the time machine). None share his excitement, and Anthony’s minimal support is the closest George gets to someone sharing his interest. The rest of the characters are a mix of impatience and misunderstanding. None are quite ready to accept it when the time machine disappears and they all scurry off as if nothing worth their time has actually happened at all. The celebration of the new year – consisting of people banging pots and honking horns in the street – is much more successful at capturing their attentions. These near primal noises contrast starkly with the new age sights and sounds of the time machine that George has just introduced them to. They are far more invested in staying put, despite his willingness to share his technology. Adding to this picture is the quick comment thrown at the man who has an automobile to “get a horse!” This shows how technology was perhaps viewed at the time, as something to be fearful of, resistant to, and not worth one’s time. It is by no means exciting or something to be shared, but rather, isolating. It is the “other.”

In contrast stands Simon Wells’ interpretation of The Time Machine, filmed in 2002, which shows a different attitude towards technology while capturing the same story line. Technology is still isolating and not necessarily to be shared, but we see people pressing in, concerned for Alex (the main character here). There is no shadow of fear over technology, perhaps partially because it is not revealed to other characters here, but the effect is that the audience feels the wonder of Alex’s invention without the tone of hesitancy or caution to undercut it. Additionally, it seems that Mrs. Watchit (the same woman as Mrs. Watchett in the 1960 version) has just as much of a role in Alex’s life as his concerned friend. Moreover, the entire purpose and reason for the technological invention of the time machine is a woman. This fact is clear and obvious from the beginning.