Introduction
Back to the Future is a timeless classic that has remained a favorite of movie-goers since its release in 1985. The film, directed by Robert Zemeckis, has stood the test of time due to its exceptional filmmaking techniques and engaging storyline. This evaluation will analyze the film using criteria such as costumes, settings, music, special effects, and dialogue. A careful analysis of these criteria allows concluding that Back to the Future is a masterpiece that deserves all the praise it has received.
Film Analysis
Costumes
Costumes play an essential role in this film, as they help establish the different periods in which the story takes place. Created by Deborah L. Scott, they allow for an unmistakable recognition of each scene’s time context and present a unique and fresh interpretation of the future fashion. From the 1980s clothing worn by Marty McFly to the 1950s attire of his parents, the costumes are spot on in creating an authentic atmosphere.
The costumes serve an additional purpose of conveying character development throughout the years, especially evident in the changes in the look of Marty’s mother. They also significantly distinguish specific character traits, like Doc’s slightly unhinged geniuses and Marty’s teenage rebelliousness and stylishness.
Settings
The settings in the film are also impressive, as they quickly transport the audience to different eras. Using real-life locations like the Hill Valley town square adds to the film’s authenticity. The film includes many locations in and around Los Angeles, like Whittier High School, the basement of the Hollywood United Methodist Church, and Griffith Park (Thailand). The camera work in the film is also noteworthy, with dynamic shots and creative angles that keep the audience engaged.
Music
The music is another crucial aspect of the film that deserves praise. The iconic score by Alan Silvestri perfectly captures the excitement and adventure of the story, and the use of popular songs from the past adds to the nostalgia factor. Time Bomb Town by Lindsey Buckingham and Eric Clapton’s Heaven Is One Step Away are masterfully used to emphasize story elements and characters’ moods throughout the film (Richardson). The film’s soundtrack has contributed significantly to its status as a cult classic, especially among the 1980s viewers.
Special Effects
The special effects in Back to the Future were groundbreaking at its release and still hold up today. The DeLorean time machine, in particular, is a masterful creation instantly recognizable to audiences. Time constraints and limited budget forced its creators to use unconventional techniques like rubbing the car model with an abrasive to give it a metallic texture and giving its windows a blue tint to simulate the color of the sky (Turner).
The team had to get creative with the ending scene for the same reasons: using miniatures, simple materials like polyester fiberfill, and imitating lightning using rheostat (“Interview: Special Effects Consultant Michael Fink”). These approaches created an unmistakably recognizable visual aesthetic of practical effects rarely seen in modern films.
Dialogue
The dialogue in the film is sharp and witty, with many memorable one-liners that have become part of popular culture. Back to the Future set the template for time travel comedies, particularly by including scenes serving as a setup for something in the present day. “I guess you guys aren’t ready for that yet,” – the protagonist foreshadows, talking about rock’n’roll music in 1955, – “but your kids are gonna love it.” (Back to the Future 01:29:52-01:30:00). The whole scene encompasses the movie’s central theme of how a single event can impact one’s life in the future through an ever-growing chain of consequences. Subtle elements of dialogue between the characters from different periods, including the use of slang.
Criticism
One aspect of the film that could be criticized is the portrayal of women. The female characters in the film are often relegated to the sidelines, with little agency. Young Lorraine Baines-McFly and Marty’s girlfriend, Jennifer Jane Parker, are naive and childish, looking for a solid male figure and quickly falling for handsome guys. Such portrayal of the heroines could be interpreted as a tool for emphasizing their young age. In the case of Marty’s mother, it could also have been done to demonstrate the changes she had undergone in her character from 1955 to 1985. Though portraying women in such fashion is a common issue in films from the 1980s, it is still worth noting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Back to the Future is a film that deserves its place in cinematic history for pioneering a genre of time-travel comedies. The film’s exceptional and easily recognizable costume design, music arrangement, special effects, witty dialogue, and diverse settings are why it has remained a favorite of audiences for over three decades. These elements, coupled with an engaging story and a spot-on casting, have ensured the film’s success and transformation into a cult classic franchise. While the portrayal of women generally coincides with the traditionalistic approach of the 1980s movies, this does not detract from the overall excellence of the film. Even today Back to the Future has the potential to impress and engage an audience of any age.
Works Cited
Back to the Future. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, Universal Pictures, 1985.
Chiland, Elijah. “The Ultimate ‘Back to the Future’ Filming Locations Map.” Curbed. 2020. Web.
“Interview: Special Effects Consultant Michael Fink.” Back to the Future. Web.
Richardson, Ged. “8 Classic Tracks from the Back to the Future Soundtrack.” Zing Instruments. 2023. Web.
Turner, George E. “Visual Effects Supervisor Ken Ralston and the ILM Effects Team Behind 1985’s Biggest Hit.” American Cinematographer. 2020. Web.