BACK TO THE FUTURE MASTERFULLY BLENDS A NUMBER OF INGREDIENTS THAT HAVE YET TO EXPIRE
Nearly every seat in the cinema is full, as people settle in with their popcorn, drinks, a glow stick, and customized card in hand, buzzing with anticipation for the screening of the 1985 classic Back to the Future. It’s a part of a monthly series run by downtown Ottawa’s local independent theatre, the Bytowne, called Drunken Cinema. It showcases cult classics and hidden gems from the 1980s and 1990s, with alcohol available and an interactive twist.
As a fan of 1980s films especially, it was truly a singular experience to enjoy one of my favourite films of all time on the big screen with strangers’ hilarious reactions, laughs, and cheers. It made me nostalgic for a decade I never knew, for simpler times without smartphones and social media.
High-school aspiring rockstar and skateboarder Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) accidentally travels back in time after his mad scientist friend’s experiment goes awry (Christopher Lloyd). He lands in 1955, running into the younger versions of his parents and unwittingly botching the events leading to his very existence. A hilarious, heartwarming, rip-roaring quest to set things right and return to the present ensues, and of course, hardly goes as planned.
For those who haven’t watched Back to the Future yet, you are depriving yourself of what is widely regarded by critics as the near-perfect screenplay of one of the most influential and iconic films of all time. It has achieved success with all generations since it demolished the box office and became the highest-grossing film of 1985. It received multiple awards, as well as Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations, was followed by two sequels and a TV show, and has even been adapted into a musical.
It’s clear that a story like this one would not even be made today. Some viewers have cast a shadow over parts of the film they deem questionable or inappropriate. For instance, the interactions Marty has with the younger version of his mother have aged poorly due to their incestuous nature, as well as his father’s “peeping Tom” behaviour.
An early scene caricatures Libyan terrorists from the era of Muammar Gadafi, reflecting society’s concerns at the time, such as almost continuous high-level Libyan attacks, their denunciation of U.S. policies, and general hostility towards countries that didn’t share the Libyan government’s harsh views. A portrayal of this nature today would probably be criticized for promoting xenophobia and ignorant misconceptions.
However, many have waved these elements away as products of the film’s time; it’s clear that they’re simply plot points with comedic intent, and can be dismissed as missteps congruous with the lack of political correctness in Hollywood in the 1980s.
Back to the Future masterfully blends a number of ingredients that have yet to expire; with storybook-like cinematography and special effects, the coming-of-age story is propelled forward by the time machine made out of a silver Delorean, leaving a trail of fire in its wake. Alan Silvestri’s score and a catchy musical soundtrack are punctuated with famous hits like Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode”. Michael J. Fox’s iconic rendition is endearing, with a quotable line delivery, which has proven hard to come by in recent releases, such as “This is heavy!” and “I guess you guys aren’t ready for that yet. But your kids are gonna love it”.
Forty years after its release, one might wonder why this film has met continued success and a growing cult following. With the recent popularity of shows set in the 80s like Stranger Things, the pastimes, fashion, and music Generation Z and Alpha’s parents grew up with have become social media trends and Halloween costumes. Many also credit Michael J. Fox’s performance, which almost didn’t take place – the role of Marty McFly initially belonged to another actor, Eric Stoltz. Almost the entirety of the movie had to be reshot after 6 weeks of filming.
As a result, Back to the Future possesses a singular charm and nostalgia that has yet to fade, drawing generations in from the past, present, and future.
Don’t hesitate to check out other films showing as a part of the Drunken Cinema series at the Bytowne for a trip back in time!
