One-Minute Time Machine - The Short Film that (probably) helped Rick & Morty win an Emmy

Summary

The script presents a quirky and darkly humorous narrative about time travel and its consequences. The protagonist, Lanes James, engages in a series of awkward and humorous encounters, including a failed pick-up attempt and a bizarre conversation about quantum mechanics. The twist comes when the 'one-minute time machine' is revealed to be a device that creates parallel worlds and results in the death of the original self in the past. This leads to a philosophical and comedic exploration of the implications of multiple suicides and the ethics of time travel.

Takeaways

• 😄 The script involves a humorous and absurd conversation about time travel and its implications.
• 🚀 The character 'Lanes' introduces a device that is implied to be a 'one-minute time machine'.
• 🤔 The dialogue explores the concept of creating parallel universes with each use of the time machine.
• 😱 The script suggests that using the device results in the death of the original self in the previous universe.
• 🧐 It is revealed that the character has potentially committed multiple suicides across different parallel worlds.
• 😏 The character Lanes seems to be nonchalant about the consequences of using the time machine.
• 🤓 A character in the script has a doctorate in quantum mechanics, indicating a scientific basis for the time travel concept.
• 😅 There's a mix of serious scientific discussion and crude humor, particularly around the character's preferences and actions.
• 😳 The script includes a moment of realization about the moral and emotional weight of the time machine's capabilities.
• 😲 The character expresses fear and concern about the psychological impact of knowing about the time machine's effects.
• 🎶 The transcript is interspersed with musical cues, suggesting it is part of a larger multimedia presentation.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the script?

The main theme of the script revolves around the concept of time travel and its implications, particularly the idea of creating parallel universes and the consequences of actions in those universes.

What does the character James do when he presses the red button?

When James presses the red button, he creates a copy of himself in a parallel world that exists one minute in his past, essentially 'traveling' back in time.

What is the character's name who is discussing time travel with James?

The character's name is not explicitly mentioned in the script, but she is a woman who engages in a conversation with James about time travel.

What is the woman's reaction to James' claim of having time-traveled?

Initially, the woman is skeptical and finds the idea of time travel impossible, but later she seems to be intrigued and even finds it beautiful.

What is the significance of the phrase 'multiple suicide' in the script?

The phrase 'multiple suicide' refers to the idea that each time James presses the red button, he is technically causing the death of his original self in the previous universe, which has happened 16 times according to the script.

What is the 'murder box' mentioned in the script?

The 'murder box' is a colloquial term used by the woman to describe the device that James uses for time travel, implying that it causes the death of his previous self each time it is used.

What is the woman's educational background according to the script?

The woman has a doctorate in quantum mechanics, indicating a strong background in theoretical physics and a potential interest in the practical applications of time travel.

What is the woman's favorite part of science as mentioned in the script?

The woman's favorite part of science is not explicitly stated, but she shows a keen interest in the practical applications of quantum mechanics, particularly as it relates to time travel.

What is the emotional impact of the time travel device on James?

The emotional impact on James is significant. He expresses a mix of fascination and horror at the implications of his actions, particularly the repeated deaths of his previous selves.

What is the woman's response to the idea that time travel is impossible?

The woman initially agrees that time travel is impossible, but after James insists that he has done it, she seems to reconsider her stance, though she remains skeptical.

How does the script end?

The script ends on a humorous note, with the woman joking about the device being a 'multi-dimensional murder box' and dismissing the idea of it being a serious concern.