October 09, 2009
Cast: Eric Bana, Rachel McAdams
Director: Robert Schwentke
The Time Traveler’s Wife starring Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams is one of those sappy romantic sagas, like Ghost or The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, in which a couple must come to terms with some unnatural obstacle in their relationship, such as life after death, a lover who ages backwards, or in the case of this film, a time-traveling disorder.
Bana stars as Henry, a Chicago librarian, who suffers from a genetic condition that causes him to be suddenly transported back and forth in time without warning. McAdams plays Clare, the love of his life, whom he first encounters as a six-year-old girl in a meadow when he is transported there stark naked.
Creepy as that may sound, over the years and across time zones, a romance develops between the two. Their marriage is a tricky one, with him vanishing out of sight minutes before the ceremony, during their honeymoon even, and at every other important occasion. But she hangs in there for him each time, mustering up unbelievable patience and dedication.
The problem with this film, adapted from Audrey Niffeneger’s novel, is that it’s got an unsatisfying narrative that jumps around as much as the film’s hero. Also it doesn’t really succeed in establishing the tone it wants to go with. It’s dramatic, romantic, tragic, even comic, but in the end all the time-bending leaves you more confused than connected with its characters.
Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams ooze ample charm, but sadly not enough to distract you from the film’s loopy nature. I’m going with two out of five for The Time Traveler’s Wife; it’s got a few touching moments, but apart from that it’s just an over-sentimental, gooey love-story. Watch it if you must, but only for its gorgeous leads.
(This review first aired on CNN-IBN)