Back To The Future
Even though this wasn't the anniversary I wanted to look at, I was very much surprised at the movie I chose at the last minute. Even though I know the story, and I know I have seen this a good couple of times in my youth, I really didn’t remember it. Today I am going to write that wrong, by looking at a movie celebrating its 40th Anniversary.
Back To The Future (1985) 116 mins
The story, most of us should know it, Marty McFly (Fox) goes 30 years into the past 1955 (1995 our time!) and has to try and find a way to get back to the future. While also making sure he doesn’t mess up his own timeline, and existence. Of course, as it is a Sci-fi comedy, shenanigans happen, and we’re left wondering if he will make it back in time.
I would like to say, I know why this movie is a classic. When I think about the 80's movies I love, it is a shame that I didn’t give this one a rewatch a bit sooner. Besides it being funny, strange and overall well shot and good directed. I can see why it has its classic title.
I think one thing that it has working for it, which I think is a part of it being an 80s movie. There are not a lot of characters in the film, so it helps keep everything nice within a tight narrative. Seeing as the movie just focuses on its main character, I feel it helps a lot.
As for the directing and writing, that is also done very well. We were given a lot of visual and audio storytelling from the opening. Everything you need to know about his movie, and what is going to unfold, is told before Marty goes back in time. Which is something I noticed, knowing a few of the things that are going to take place. I also noticed a lot of rules of three, with a lot of the information we are told, like the clock tower. As the audience needs to know why it is so important to the plot later.
As for the sets for the move, it is nice to get a sense of the town square in two different time periods. We get to see it in the “Morden” and retro states, and see how things change after 30 years. However, at times It can feel like this was the only set they had to use, especially in the chase around the square. Wouldn’t it make more sense to leave the area if you’re being chased? But maybe that's just me.
What I also like is, this movie does the classic character have this thing they want to do, that seems useless or pointless in the beginning, only to come back up later in the movie right at the end. In this case it is Marty and his guitar playing skills. As his band was rejected for “playing too loud” I’ve never heard such silliness.
One thing I will say, and I think this was an 80’s movie thing aimed at young men, why is everyone a creep? No hyperbole here, just everyone is just acting like sex offender. With Marty’s dad climbing trees to peep in windows, to Bif trying to sexual assault someone. Then Marty’s own mother comes on to him, and takes his pants off? Funny as it might be, I’m glad some of these tropes are now behind us.
As for funny, I think his movie is funny, with a couple of lines that got me laughing. Like asking, “do I know your mother?” “No one has two TVs,” if only they saw now. Claiming to disown his own daughter if she “had a weird son” like Marty. As well as the visual gags of the obvious size differences. Of course, have the black people coming to save the day.
Overall, I will say this movie is good. I can see why it is extremely popular even today. The only thing I don’t know if the sequels hold us as well, as this end on the sequel baiting hook, has got me wondering, what is to come next? I am glad I can now add another movie to my 80s movie marathons, as well check out to see how this translates into a musical.
