Eric Bana is Henry, a man who struggles with a disjointed life of involuntarily jumping for occasional spells in time. His jumps are attracted to the big things in his life: the death of his mother, and the intertwining of his life with Clare, his wife (played by the lovely Rachel McAdams). The film follows their love and their struggle to overcome the complications his conditions brings.
Although I tend to avoid reading reviews of films before I watch them, it was not surprising to hear that this film compared unfavourably to the novel from which it was taken. It rare that film writers understand the strengths of the cinema and how these compare to the strength of the written word, rarer that they can translate one to the other, and difficult for audiences themselves to understand the these (and I know full well what a pompous critic that makes me sound). It is even harder in the case of slow moving romantic films, and one as popular, well known and well loved as Audrey Neffenegger’s best seller. Having not read the book (and not just because I am a man), I am unfortunately in no position to compare. I am reasonably informed that the book is all about love, absence and longing, and an inability to control their relationship. On screen, the obvious emotions: desire, tenderness and frustration of Henry and Clare are well portrayed, and despite the lack initial character development, I felt myself drawn into the story. I am sure that, as is the want of Hollywood, the focus is much more on the romantic aspect, but there is a great sequence which conveys succinctly the history and emotional ties he has with his parents. I would have liked to have seen more of this, Henry’s struggles to try change the past, as well moments that would define both his and Clare personality, but I understand the time constraints of a film. It took a little while to get into the film, but as it drew to its poignant conclusion, I was surprised to find myself invested in the characters. To those who love the book, I would say not to expect too much, but I feel that this is a film that has sensitively and respectfully handled the material; to those who have not, enjoy a romance that is above the average Hollywood fare.
CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Amazingly for a modern day romantic film, The Time Traveller’s Wife succeeded in not making me cringe with any of my usual Christian moral triggers (although I do wonder at the rightness of seducing and sleeping with your future husband on the very first meeting, and even more so at deliberately befriending an infatuated child version of your future wife). My problem with this film is the obsession and perpetuation of the notion that finding that “one special love” somehow completes a person, and that this is what life is all about. I am sure that feminists up and down the country will also be outraged that fulfilment can only be found by either living in that relationship, or in motherhood. It is interesting to note that while much joy was found in Clare’s relationship with Henry, it was accompanied by much frustration and heartache (something I would only guess is true of any long term relationship). The film then paints a bittersweet peace found only when that relationship ends. We, who know God, should know that true joy and peace is found with him and in eternity.
Although I tend to avoid reading reviews of films before I watch them, it was not surprising to hear that this film compared unfavourably to the novel from which it was taken. It rare that film writers understand the strengths of the cinema and how these compare to the strength of the written word, rarer that they can translate one to the other, and difficult for audiences themselves to understand the these (and I know full well what a pompous critic that makes me sound). It is even harder in the case of slow moving romantic films, and one as popular, well known and well loved as Audrey Neffenegger’s best seller. Having not read the book (and not just because I am a man), I am unfortunately in no position to compare. I am reasonably informed that the book is all about love, absence and longing, and an inability to control their relationship. On screen, the obvious emotions: desire, tenderness and frustration of Henry and Clare are well portrayed, and despite the lack initial character development, I felt myself drawn into the story. I am sure that, as is the want of Hollywood, the focus is much more on the romantic aspect, but there is a great sequence which conveys succinctly the history and emotional ties he has with his parents. I would have liked to have seen more of this, Henry’s struggles to try change the past, as well moments that would define both his and Clare personality, but I understand the time constraints of a film. It took a little while to get into the film, but as it drew to its poignant conclusion, I was surprised to find myself invested in the characters. To those who love the book, I would say not to expect too much, but I feel that this is a film that has sensitively and respectfully handled the material; to those who have not, enjoy a romance that is above the average Hollywood fare.
CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Amazingly for a modern day romantic film, The Time Traveller’s Wife succeeded in not making me cringe with any of my usual Christian moral triggers (although I do wonder at the rightness of seducing and sleeping with your future husband on the very first meeting, and even more so at deliberately befriending an infatuated child version of your future wife). My problem with this film is the obsession and perpetuation of the notion that finding that “one special love” somehow completes a person, and that this is what life is all about. I am sure that feminists up and down the country will also be outraged that fulfilment can only be found by either living in that relationship, or in motherhood. It is interesting to note that while much joy was found in Clare’s relationship with Henry, it was accompanied by much frustration and heartache (something I would only guess is true of any long term relationship). The film then paints a bittersweet peace found only when that relationship ends. We, who know God, should know that true joy and peace is found with him and in eternity.
