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How to Build a Time Machine

Name: How to Build a Time Machine
Director: Jay Cheel
Released: 2016
Duration: 82 min

Representation Score

1.3/10

Minimal

2016

Director

Jay Cheel

Runtime

82 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

How to Build a Time Machine is a specialized documentary that prioritizes scientific and mechanical obsession over social or identity-based issues. The film functions as a neutral study of human ingenuity, focusing on the specific passions of its subjects. Because the narrative structure is observational and traditional, it lacks the intentionality needed to challenge social norms. The film does not engage with multi-layered themes, resulting in a score that reflects a reliance on non-challenging storytelling.

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Category Breakdown

Does How to Build a Time Machine have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses entirely on technical pursuits and scientific inquiry. It contains no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or same-sex relationships.

How does How to Build a Time Machine portray gender?

Limited

The narrative is predominantly male-centric, following the journeys of Rob Niosi and Ronald L. Mallett. It lacks meaningful roles for women and relies on conventional archetypes of eccentric inventors.

How racially and ethnically diverse is How to Build a Time Machine?

Fair

The subjects do not constitute a non-white majority. The film operates within a relatively homogeneous social context centered on individual intellectual pursuits.

How does How to Build a Time Machine represent religion and culture?

Limited

The documentary avoids explicit ideological stances or the deconstruction of traditional social structures. It prioritizes personal passion and scientific curiosity over cultural critique.

Does How to Build a Time Machine include disability representation?

Minimal

No visible or invisible disabilities are portrayed as central to the character arcs. The subjects are defined by technical skill rather than neurodivergence or physical disability.

Present on Screen

Provides a focused character study of specialized obsession and human ingenuity.

Limited or Absent

Lacks meaningful roles for women and diverse gender representation.
Does not engage with neurodivergence or physical disability.
Maintains a homogeneous social context with limited racial diversity.

Official Synopsis

Focuses on two subjects in particular: Rob Niosi, who has spent many years building a full-scale replica of the prop from the 1960 film The Time Machine, and physicist Ronald L. Mallett, who has dedicated his life to researching the scientific possibility of time travel.

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