The Time Machine

Work Title: The Time Machine
Medium: Film
Episode Title:
Year: 2002
Writer(s): H.G. Wells
"Original" Writer: Yes Writer(s): John Logan
"Original" Writer: Yes Writer(s): David Duncan
"Original" Writer: Yes Own work?: No
Summary:

from imdb.com Based on the classic sci-fi novel by H.G. Wells, "The Time Machine" stars Guy Pearce in the role of scientist and inventor, Alexander Hartdegen, who is determined to prove that time travel is possible. His determination is turned to desperation by a personal tragedy that now drives him to want to change the past. Testing his theories with a time machine of his own invention, Hartdegen is hurtled 800,000 years into the future, where he discovers that mankind has divided into the hunter - and the hunted. Written by Tim1370

  • Self-Written?:
  • Source Name: IMDB
  • Source URL:
Era/Year of Portrayal: distant_future
Distinctive characteristics of the world in portrayal:

This film begins in the late 19th century, briefly stops in 2030 and 2037, and then spends the mojority of time 800, 000 years in the future. The moon has been destroyed, eradicating mankind as we know it. 2 species of humanoid types live - above and below ground.

Technology

  • Name of portrayed presence-evoking technology: The Time Machine, Vox
  • Description of the technology: The time machine is quite large, standing over 10 feet tall, and ten feet across. It takes up a whole room. it has many gauges and circular levers, spinning when in use. It appears to run on a combination of steam and lasers. The user sits on a chair in the center of the machine, pulling a lever forwards and backwards to move through time. As it works, a glowing orb surrounds the machine. It works quickly, sending the machine and the user to differernt times. Vox is a holographic, artifically intelliegent composite of all human knowledge, residing in the New York Public Library. He is visible on glass screens. He is helpful, and a little condescending. People interact with him as if he is human.
  • Nature of task or activity: Traveling through time. They interact with Vox by asking questions and learning from him.
  • Performance of the Technology: Both work perfectly. Vox continues to work 800,000 years after his invention.
  • Description of creator(s): The creator of the time machine is Alexander Hartedegan, a professor of mechanical engineering at Columbia. He is in his 30s or 20s, diligent, intelligent, moral, and determined to change history. The creators of Vox are unknown.
  • Major goal(s) of creator(s): To change history. Vox is created to store and dispense knowledge.
  • Description of users of technology: Alexander is the sole user of the time machine. Vox users are all ages, races, and genders.
  • Type(s) of presence experience in the portrayal: both
  • Description of presence experience: Pleasent. Traveling through time is painless and is a means to an end. Interacting with Vox is useful and pleasent.
  • User awareness of technology during experience: yes.
  • Valence of experience: enjoy it.
  • Specific responses: feelings of self-motion (vection),involvement, enjoyment, parasocial relationships (Vox).
Long-term consequences:

Eventually, Alexander blows up the time machine in order to save the human race. He finally finds happiness and love with Mara, in the future. He is content and no longer needs to travel through time.

Other:

Coder name: Amanda Scheiner
Coder email: amandags@temple.edu
Coder affiliation: Temple University