Adapted from Audrey Niffenegger’s beloved bestseller, The Time Traveler’s Wife, the movie directed by Robert Schwentke faces the daunting task of translating a complex and nuanced novel to the screen. Balancing the expectations of devoted readers with the need to create an accessible film for a broader audience is a challenge, and Schwentke’s effort, while not without its shortcomings, ultimately delivers an unpretentious and genuinely moving romantic tragedy anchored by its captivating leads.
At its heart, The Time Traveler’s Wife is a unique love story. Henry DeTamble (Eric Bana) suffers from a genetic anomaly that causes him to involuntarily travel through time. These unpredictable jumps through time place Henry in precarious and often dangerous situations, frequently leaving him naked and vulnerable in unfamiliar locations and eras. To cope with this extraordinary condition, Henry has honed survival skills, from street smarts to self-defense. Despite his time-traveling affliction, Henry’s journey takes a profound turn when, at 28, he meets Clare Abshire (Rachel McAdams), a 20-year-old woman who has known him since childhood and has been patiently waiting for him throughout her life. This central premise forms the compelling core of The Time Traveler’s Wife.
One of the primary criticisms of the film stems from the attempt to condense the rich narrative of the book into a 107-minute runtime. It appears that director Schwentke and screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin opted for simplification to manage this constraint, which unfortunately led to a less intricate plot and somewhat underdeveloped characters. The novel’s non-linear timeline, a source of both intrigue and potential confusion, is mirrored in the film, presenting a similar narrative puzzle. While screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin made necessary cuts, such as omitting minor characters like Kimi and Ingrid, and slightly altering the ending (a change this reviewer appreciated), the supporting cast feels relegated to the periphery. The crucial relationship between Clare and Gomez, for instance, is notably shallow in the film adaptation. Even the central figures, Henry and Clare, could have benefited from deeper exploration. Perhaps a longer runtime, closer to 140 minutes, and a director with a stronger track record in character development could have allowed for a more fully realized cinematic rendition of The Time Traveler’s Wife.
Despite these narrative compromises, The Time Traveler’s Wife possesses an undeniable charm. It is fundamentally a star-crossed romance, elevated by a compelling science fiction premise that delves into universal themes of fate versus free will, enduring love, and the pain of loss. The film’s strength lies in its focus on the profound connection between Henry and Clare, emphasizing the depth of their love rather than resorting to melodrama. Their shared determination to cherish every moment in the face of Henry’s unpredictable condition and impending fate resonates deeply. This intimate portrayal is achieved through numerous close-up shots and a realistic exploration of the emotional landscape of Henry and Clare’s extraordinary relationship as the time traveler wife and her time-displaced husband. The film’s emotional impact is largely attributed to the captivating performances of Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana, who fully embrace the demands of their roles and the unique premise of The Time Traveler’s Wife.
Rachel McAdams truly embodies the titular time traveler wife, Clare Abshire, in a performance that should remind audiences of her often-overlooked talent, previously showcased in the indie film The Lucky Ones. McAdams not only physically aligns with the book’s description of Clare but also possesses a remarkable ability to ground her characters in reality, even when faced with less-than-perfect writing. Despite some clunky lines, McAdams carries the emotional weight of the movie, portraying Clare’s unwavering spirit and boundless love for Henry with genuine luminosity. Her performance as the time traveler wife is a standout element of the film. Eric Bana, in a surprising turn, delivers a compelling and nuanced Henry, surpassing expectations. While physically deviating from the book’s description (Henry is described as more of a runner than Bana’s more muscular physique), Bana’s portrayal captures Henry’s inner torment, introversion, and poignant nature. Crucially, he establishes strong on-screen chemistry with McAdams. However, Henry, in the film adaptation, occasionally comes across as somewhat one-dimensional. The supporting cast, including Ron Livingstone as Gomez, Jane McLean as Charisse, Arliss Howard as Henry’s father, and Stephen Tobolowsky as Dr. Kendrick, are competent but given limited screen time to make a lasting impression, despite Gomez’s more significant role in the source material as a confidante of the time traveler wife.
Florian Ballhaus’s cinematography contributes significantly to the film’s atmosphere, employing a beautiful, stark, and somewhat cold visual style that underscores the tragic undercurrent of the narrative. The camera work, characterized by deliberate motion and framing, enhances the tone of various scenes, and Schwentke effectively utilizes these visual elements to inject a subtle touch of fantasy into The Time Traveler’s Wife. This creates an immersive atmosphere that effectively highlights the precariousness of Clare and Henry’s relationship and their looming fate. The CGI effects depicting Henry’s time travel are understated yet effective, while the perhaps overused musical score, though melancholic, amplifies the film’s tragic tone.
Ultimately, The Time Traveler’s Wife is best enjoyed for what it is: a tender and affecting love story with an inventive sci-fi concept. While it may not perfectly capture every nuance of the book, and arguably could have explored darker or more sci-fi-oriented aspects with stronger direction, the film’s premise and the exceptional casting of its leads make it a worthwhile cinematic experience. It’s a movie that will linger in your thoughts long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on love, time, and destiny, especially the unique perspective of the time traveler wife.
B+: The Time Traveler’s Wife, buoyed by outstanding performances and palpable chemistry between Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana, overcomes its flaws to deliver a charming, poignant, and bittersweet romantic drama that is sure to resonate with audiences.
