Journey to the Center of the Earth 1993

In What’s After the Movie, explore the thrilling adventure that begins in 1880 Edinburgh with renowned geologist Professor Sir Oliver Lindenbrook, played by Sam Raimi. The story kicks off when his enthusiastic student, Alec McEwan, Carel Struycken, presents him with a peculiar piece of volcanic rock. Alec is deeply in love with Professor Lindenbrook’s niece, Jenny, which adds personal stakes to the unfolding quest. The rock is unusually heavy and contains a hidden plumb bob with a cryptic inscription that points toward a legendary path to the center of the Earth.

The inscription is traced back to a scientist named Arne Saknussemm, who, nearly a century earlier, managed to find a secret passage into the Earth’s core by descending into the volcano Snæfellsjökull in Iceland. Driven by curiosity and the desire for discovery, Professor Lindenbrook and Alec make bold plans to follow Saknussemm’s trail. However, the journey quickly becomes dangerous and riddled with obstacles.

When Lindenbrook shares the message with Professor Göteborg, [F. Murray Abraham], he becomes eager to reach the Earth’s core first. This sets off a tense chase that leads them to Iceland, where the competition turns deadly. The group is captured and imprisoned by Göteborg and his assistant but is rescued by a local man, Hans Bjelke, and his pet duck Gertrud. Tragically, they later discover that Göteborg has been murdered, with suspicious clues suggesting foul play, including the presence of potassium cyanide in his beard.

The investigation deepens when Professor Göteborg’s widow, Carla, learns the truth and decides to join the expedition. She becomes an invaluable ally, bringing equipment and supplies—especially their most prized Ruhmkorff lamps—on the condition she accompanies them for the sake of her late husband’s legacy. Alongside Hans and Gertrud, the team sets out on their daring subterranean adventure.

Preparing for the descent, they carefully mark the spot on Snæfellsjökull where they plan to enter. Their journey into the depths is perilous from the start—they are shadowed by Count Saknussemm, Kim Miyori, a descendant of Saknussemm who believes that only he has the right to claim the voyage. The count is determined to thwart them and has a manservant, trailing secretly, ready to interfere. When Alec finds himself separated, he encounters the count, who attempts to enlist him as a servant. When Alec refuses, Saknussemm shoots him, inflicting a gunshot wound to his arm.

Lindenbrook and his companions quickly locate Alec through the sound of his gunshot, leading to a tense confrontation and a swift trial for murder. Although they condemn Saknussemm, no one is eager to execute him, so they reluctantly allow him to join the group, which complicates the expedition further.

As they progress, the team faces astonishing natural phenomena, including a subterranean ocean where they craft a makeshift raft. Their crossing is dramatic, narrowly escaping a family of giant dimetrodons — prehistoric reptiles. Their voyage is interrupted by a powerful whirlpool, which they realize is at the Earth’s core due to magnetic forces strong enough to strip away even metal objects. Exhausted but determined, they finally reach the other side of the ocean.

During their rest, Saknussemm unexpectedly kills and eats Gertrud, causing a furious Hans to attack him. In the chaos, Saknussemm is struck and buried beneath a falling column of stones, ending his deadly pursuit. The journey then leads them to the ruins of the legendary Atlantis, where they find the skeletal remains of Saknussemm — his pointing hand directed toward a volcanic chimney, indicating the way to the surface.

Professor Lindenbrook devises a risky plan to blow away the large rock blocking their path, using gunpowder left by Saknussemm. They take refuge in an ancient altar bowl as they prepare for the final push. A giant lizard attacks but is ultimately swallowed by molten lava during the explosion. The eruption propels the bowl upward, and the team is violently ejected from the volcano, landing safely away from the chaos on the surface.

Returning to Edinburgh as celebrated heroes, the team chooses modesty over fame—Lindenbrook declines honors but inspires others to pursue exploration. His relationship with Carla blossoms into love, leading to a heartfelt kiss, and Alec marries Jenny. This incredible journey not only uncovers the hidden depths beneath our feet but also celebrates the spirit of adventure, discovery, and courage that drives humanity forward.