Andy's Anachronisms -- Idaho Transfer (1973)

Andy's Anachronisms - Time Travel Movie Reviews

Idaho Transfer (1973)
Can the future be saved by the ideals of the past

Directed by Peter Fonda

The Basic Plot

A group of researchers investigating material transfer, aka teleportation, invent a form of time travel. During early experiments the team discovers a period 56 years in the future where an unknown catastrophe has wiped out humankind. The lead researcher begins to assemble a team of young scientists to create a new civilization in the future. The plans are interrupted when the investors and government uncover the real purpose of the project.

The Analysis

This early 1970s directorial effort from Peter Fonda was filmed in the lava fields of Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho. Making the most of its obviously limited budget, Idaho Transfer evokes its post-apocalyptic feel through the use of the alien landscape and minimal sets. Let's face it, its a lot easier to rid the world of humanity in a cinematic sense when you film in a desolate landscape rather than in an urban setting (e.g. I am Legend / Omega Man). The acting here isn't going to win awards and with the exception of Keith Carradine, the majority of the actors here have never gone on to anything of note.

While it has all the potential of being a cult classic, it borders on being a complete disaster since it continuously switches gears never focusing on one thing, including switching point-of-view characters through out. The moment you become interested in a parcitular plot element, such as what caused humanity to be wiped out, the movie changes its focus never fully engaging the audience. The film is best viewed for its atmosphere as there are a number of moments such as when two characters stumble accross a desereted string of rail cars that offers some insight into the fate of humanity that actually work.

Although the time machine is very rudimentary and lacking in special effects, it was one of the highlights for me. A very simplistic approach and one repeated again in such films as Primer (2004).

The ending itself is a perfect example of shifting P-O-V and the switching plot line. Without giving any spoilers away, let's just say there is a fuel shortage in the future.

Where to Find It

Because the original production company went under the week after it was released back in the 1970s it was one of those very rare finds showing up occasionally on late night tv. In the late 1980s a VHS version finally surfaced, but it was until very recently Idaho Transfer saw a second life as it was included in a couple of compilation DVD box sets filled with questionable science fiction and horror movies like Evil Brain from Outer Space. In 2003 it received its own release on DVD which can be found on several online retail sites and in bargain bins around the world.