Forty-five years ago, Bob Gale, a producer, director and screenwriter, came across his dad’s old high school yearbook while visiting his parents. Flipping through it, Gale wondered if he would’ve been friends with his dad in high school, and pondered what would happen if he could travel back in time to meet him. This concept stuck with him, and he later reached out to long-time friend and collaborator Robert Zemeckis about writing a movie with the same premise.
The duo had been working on the film’s production for a long time, to no avail. However, after a year of long, hard work, they had the script for their new movie — one they hoped would surpass their previous attempts at success. Despite some troubles finalizing the plot and finding the right production company to make the film, the two would go on to make the highest-grossing film of 1985, a classic that would have people rewatching and enjoying it 40 years later.
The premise of the film was quite different than many movies at the time, but as it had been recently prefaced in the early 80s by other sci-fi movies such as the second and third “Star Wars” movies and “E.T.,” audiences were used to the genre and the kinds of absurdity that came with it. As such, it was received well by audiences and critics alike. It made 388 million dollars at the box office worldwide and continued to find success on VHS and DVD.
“Back to the Future” came out on July 3, 1985, starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson and Cristin Glover. It opens in California in 1985, following teenager Marty McFly who is accidentally sent back 30 years in the past by his friend, Doc Brown. Marty then has to find his way home while also helping his parents in the past, who are in high school, after he mistakenly prevents them from getting together. With so much exposition and background info to cover, the film certainly packs a punch during its 116-minute runtime.
It’s easy to see why “Back to the Future” is so beloved. Lloyd is great as the kooky, experimental Doc Brown, Glover as the older McFly is clumsy and awkward and Fox is funny and matches the energy needed to play the lovable Marty McFly. The small town of Hill Valley, the diner, and the high school all make for a believable setting in which this kind of weird event might take place. Additionally, the sets of the film add to the nostalgia, creating a time capsule of 80s and 50s culture and scenery.
Another great thing — it’s memorable. With how many movies come out and how many people consume, it’s easy for a movie to become forgettable, and for the plot beats and scenes to become muddled in memory. But “Back to the Future” is easy to grasp and recall. I haven’t seen it in years but can easily remember Einstein the dog, the time-traveling DeLorean car, and the Enchantment Under the Sea dance. Being so unique in its premise and iconically executed are all part of what makes it such a classic film.
Certain performances, character choices and sets all come to mind when I think of the film. Its fame as an iconic movie of the time period makes it a movie that pretty much everyone has seen, and for good reason. It’s fun, it’s camp and it doesn’t take itself too seriously, which all add up to make the movie a great watch — even 40 years later.
