Back to the Future

Often with the cult classics of its time, like Star Wars or Indiana Jones, the fact they were made 40 years ago is very apparent in almost every element. The pacing, the editing, the shots, the feel. Those are so often movies that can easily upon viewing be appreciated for the impact they had on cinema, and yet feel ancient simultaneously. But Back to the Future doesn’t feel that at all. In a way it feels kind of flawless. It is somehow still a film that could’ve been just as amazing being released today. It is immaculately paced and edited, with a tight story, relatable characters, and effects that hold up surprisingly well (okay that part would be scrutinised today if it released EXACTLY the same, but I think the point is clear) It is funny and it is emotional and clever and witty and checks every single box for a good sci fi film (arguably because it pioneered the box) There are only 2 shortcomings that I have noticed. When we first see Marty altering the past, we learn that his parents originally met as George was actually spying on Loraine. Which is… very creepy. It’s hard to give too much scrutiny for a film from the 1980’s showing an aspect of teenage crush as it does, but it is a very good thing that you simply don’t see that anymore. Overall the movie is so good it ends up being a pet peeve if nothing else. The other, much more severe issue, is Marty’s lack of an actual arc, which is the one thing that forbids it from becoming a masterpiece. Marty finishes the film pretty much how he started it.  No character development, nothing that he learned about himself that is going to positively impact his behavior after his journey to the past concludes. It is actually baffling the film just decided to forego such a notoriously integral part of writing, and it is odd to see a film of its typs deciding to avoid using the hero’s journey. Though this shortcoming ends up as a blessing in disguise, allowing to shift the narrative focus to George. What ends up happening is that Marty’s impact is fully external, and the change to his life is fully because of the way he helped everyone around him. I still think that this could’ve easily be done while giving Marty an arc, but it ends up being refreshing in a sense. And a final note, that everyone and their sister thought about but needs to be said anyway. I would love to be a fly on the wall when George confronts Loraine as to why does Marty looks exactly like Marty, especially considering he was named after himself. I think that alone is enough of a reason to get Back to the Future 4