This document summarizes common elements of the time travel genre of science fiction films and stories. It outlines two main types of time travel plots: traveling through time or experiencing time distortions/loops. Common roles include a reluctant hero and sidekick. Settings can be post-apocalyptic, ordinary, futuristic or historic. Plots usually involve a present problem solved by time travel, with complications arising for the hero. Imagery features signs of time travel and unusual time machines. Themes explore technology, responsibility, greed and free will versus determinism.

1. Time Travel Genre
Jeffrey Wendelberger
&
Scott Devens

2. A Sub-category of
Science Fiction
 Two general “types”
 1) Travel through time. Films
include Back to the Future 1-3,
Time Machine, Pleasantville, etc.
 2) Time Distortion or Loop. Films
such as Groundhog Day, Twelve
Monkeys, Sliding Doors, etc.

3. Roles
 Hero – often a reluctant hero
 Sidekick – Usually accompanies
the hero. Often a “mad scientist”.
 Female roles usually limited to
complicating role or love interest.

4. Settings
 Variable
 Post-apocalyptic
 Commonplace/ordinary
 Futuristic/historic
 Fantastic world

5. Plot/Storyline
 A problem in present to be solved
by going back in time.
 Hero goes back in time.
 What begins as easy mission
becomes complicated by love
interest or difficult choice the hero
must make.
 Choice usually threatens integrity
of future time streams.

6. Imagery
 Prototypical speed or flashing
lights signifying time travel.
 Time machines are usually odd,
unusual or even lame vehicles (the
Tartus in Dr. Who, the Flying Fan
in the Time Machine, the DeLorian
from Back to the Future).
 Travelers attire contrasts with
those of people in different era.

9. Themes
 Good vs. Evil
 Complications of Technology
 Responsible Use of Resources
 Dangers of Greed/Capitalism
 Man vs. Machines
 Fate/Determinism vs. Free Will

10. Time Travel Websites(Some pretty weird stuff)
 Hyper Dimensional Resonator
 This Hyper-Dimensional Resonator
hooks up to the head of the user and by
setting the dial, it will allow it's user to
spontaneously astral project. And once
your able to astral project, you can travel
in space and time either to the future or
the past. This is no joke!! Plugs into a
normal 110 volt outlet.
 $590.00 (ready to use/fully assembled)