“Time waits for no one”
I continually have a great appreciation for how film-makers condense such a baffling concept in less than three hours, whether it’s in action, comedy or even romance. Although science fiction is embedded within most of these films, time travel tales have become so abundant and complex over the years that they challenge us to follow along. Furthermore, the fact there’s no evidence that time travel is plausible, it situates film-makers in this oxy-moronic sounding position of creating a “believable” time travel movie. Below is a list of some of my favourites (so far):
Predestination (2014)
Director: The Spierig Brothers
Starring: Sarah Snook, Ethan Hawke, Noah Taylor
-Australian made film that leaves you guessing until the end (or even after the end).
-Temporal frequency is used throughout in order to provide a different perspective of the repeated scenarios.
-Temporal duration of ninety-seven minutes portraying a story that takes place within forty years.
Source Code (2011)
Director: Duncan Jones
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan
-Subtle changes in lighting aids with the progression of the narrative and repetition of the eight minute sequence.
-Much like Predestination, Source Code extensively uses temporal frequency to present the theory of time travel
Donnie Darko (2001)
Director: Richard Kelly
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Daveigh Chase
-One of the best plot twists.
-Explores the theory of the Tangible Universe in a not-so complicated way.
About Time (2013)
Director: Richard Curtis
Starring: Rachel McAdams, Domhnall Gleeson
-A not-so cheesy romantic comedy with a twist of time travel
-Use of motifs such as the closet allows the main character’s transportation
-Uses the theory to lead onto a great life lesson at the end
Midnight in Paris (2011)
Director: Woody Allen
Starring: Owen Wilson, Marion Cotillard, Rachel McAdams
-A homage to the thriving 1920s.
-Main character taking a trip to nostalgia lane while also making us fall in love with Paris.
Back to the Future I & II (1985 & 1989)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4QLKKqjk7A
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Starring: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd
-Explores the linear time line where altering the past can result to Marty McFly’s extinction.
-Who doesn’t love those pop culture references?
-Their ambitious predictions for 2015.
Meet the Robinsons (2007)
Director: Stephen J. Anderson
-The contrast between a dystopian and utopian future.
-An underrated Disney movie featuring relatable and charismatic characters that you either love or love to hate.
The Girl who leapt Through Time (2006)
Director: Mamoru Hosoda
-A teenage girl accidentally has the ability to leap through time. She tries to use this power to her advantage, but soon discovers that tampering with time can lead to some rather unexpected results.
-Analysing the mise en scene foreshadows the progression of the film.
-The plot twist will melt your heart.
So as you can see, there’s isn’t this certain structure that must be followed when it comes to the time travel sub-genre. When a concept like this is still mysterious and ambiguous, let your imagination and creative loins go wild! Are any time travel movies you’d recommend I NEED watch next? Comment below, and I’ll add it to my list.