Unveiling the Tragic Undercurrents of 'Back to the Future'

Article Summary

Back to the Future is a beloved "feel good" movie with lovable characters, intense action, thrilling music, and a cool car.

Michael J. Fox's depiction of Marty McFly propelled him to become a highly acclaimed film star, however, the seemingly joyful conclusion conceals a tale of tragedy. Despite altering the course of history, Marty finds himself distanced from his own family, and in turn, more isolated than ever before.

Ask people what their favorite "feel good" movies are and one of the names that will top any list no matter your age is 1985's Back to the Future. Robert Zemeckis' film is a perfect blend of lovable characters, intense action, thrilling music, and a cool car, creating a fun and entertaining story that truly warms the soul. Michael J. Fox, already a TV star thanks to Family Ties, became a top movie star as well with his portrayal of Marty McFly. He perfectly embodies the nice yet cool guy who defies the odds. Marty McFly is a good-natured kid who simply wants to live and reunite his family. However, the seemingly happy ending is, in reality, a tragedy. Marty is an outsider to the family he returns to, and they do not truly know him. In the end, Marty McFly is more isolated than ever before.

Image via Universal PicturesBack to the Future

Marty McFly, a teenager attending high school at the age of 17, finds himself unintentionally transported three decades back in time through the use of a DeLorean car equipped with a time-travel mechanism. This groundbreaking invention was created by his unconventional scientist pal, Doc Brown. Starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover, Thomas F. Wilson, and Claudia Wells, this film is rated PG and belongs to the main genre of adventure, with additional elements of comedy, family, and science-fiction.

Eric Stoltz Treated 'Back to the Future' More Seriously Than Others

Michael J. Fox was not the original Marty McFly, as many people know. Initially, Eric Stoltz was chosen for the role and actually filmed a major part of Back to the Future. However, due to the decision of producer Stephen Spielberg and Zemeckis, Stoltz was fired and replaced by Fox. Stoltz portrayed McFly as a darker and more somber character, while Fox brought a light-hearted and fun aspect to the role, perfectly aligning with the film's overall tone.

Lea Thompson, who portrayed Marty's mother, Lorraine, addressed the reasons why Eric Stoltz was not a good fit for the role of Marty in a 2015 interview with Pop Goes the Culture. Thompson explained that Stoltz was incredibly devoted to the method acting approach, to the point where he would only respond to his character's name, making it difficult for people to interact with him. Additionally, Stoltz grew out his fingernails to emulate a guitar player, which didn't sit well with those involved in the production as they felt it didn't align with the desired image of a teen idol.

Thompson also shared an intriguing conversation she had with Stoltz, which shed light on his perspective of the film's ending. During the initial table read, while everyone was enjoying the humor of the script, Stoltz expressed a differing opinion, stating, "I think it's a tragedy, really... My entire family remembers a past, and I, Marty, remember a completely different past." Thompson acknowledged that Stoltz had a valid point, but believed that voicing it in front of everyone was not the wisest decision for him to make.

Marty McFly's Family Are Better People When He Returns to 1985

When we are introduced to Marty's family in Back to the Future, we are greeted with a rather disheartening bunch of individuals. It's quite astonishing to think that Marty is actually related to them. His father, George (Crispin Glover), is a rather timid individual who consistently gets bullied by his supervisor, Biff (Thomas F. Wilson). He never stands up for himself, simply accepting the mistreatment. His mother, Lorraine, appears tired and dissatisfied with her life. Marty's brother, Dave (Marc McClure), seems to be struggling, stuck in a dead-end job at Burger King. As for Marty's sister, Linda (Wendie Jo Sperber), she appears rather grumpy and constantly frets about boys. Although we don't have the opportunity to get to know Marty's siblings very well, it is evident that they are not living up to their true potential.

When Marty McFly unintentionally travels back to 1955, his mother develops romantic feelings for him. Marty then dedicates the majority of the film to coaxing his timid father into finding his inner strength and winning over Lorraine. Initially, in the original timeline, George and Lorraine crossed paths when he was struck by the family car. Lorraine, infatuated with boys, clung to George only to be disillusioned by his true nature. In the altered timeline, George learns to stand up for Lorraine when Biff attempts to exploit her, ultimately earning her genuine affection.

Marty McFly and His Family Are Strangers at the End of 'Back to the Future'

Upon Marty McFly's return to 1985 in the concluding part of Back to the Future, he is joyfully reunited with his family, who have undergone significant transformations. His father has become a renowned novelist, and his parents are overjoyed, displaying absolute affection towards each other. Biff, on the other hand, has now assumed the role of a submissive individual, taking orders from a self-assured George. Simultaneously, Dave and Linda are impeccably dressed as they enjoy breakfast, with Dave preparing for his office job. Their parents' newfound confidence and love have positively influenced their own demeanor.

It is indeed a bittersweet conclusion, but upon reflection, Back to the Future can be seen as a tragedy. Marty finds himself perplexed by the alteration in their circumstances, and this perplexity will persist even after the closing credits. The individuals he encounters have now experienced an entirely different existence compared to the family Marty once knew. While they might possess improved character traits, their memories have undoubtedly diverged. Consequently, everything that Marty presently comprehends is merely a fabrication. Moreover, the Marty they gaze upon is fundamentally distinct from the Marty they recognize. In this alternate timeline, Marty would have been raised by substitute parents, rendering him an altered individual from the one currently standing before them. This family may bear resemblances and have enhanced themselves, yet it is an isolating existence for Marty, who now inhabits a life that he never truly belonged to.

In the U.S., Back to the Future can be streamed on Peacock.

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Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about the article "Unveiling the Tragic Undercurrents of 'Back to the Future'". On the one hand, I agree that the film's ending is bittersweet and that Marty McFly is ultimately isolated from his family. On the other hand, I believe that the film's message is ultimately one of hope and redemption.

I think that the article does a good job of pointing out the tragic undercurrents of "Back to the Future". Marty McFly is a likable and relatable character, and it's easy to root for him. However, the film's ending is bittersweet. Marty does manage to save his family and friends, but he also loses his relationship with his girlfriend, Jennifer. Additionally, Marty's family is still not perfect. His father is still a pushover, his mother is still unhappy, and his siblings are still struggling.

Despite the film's bittersweet ending, I believe that its message is ultimately one of hope and redemption. Marty McFly is a flawed character, but he is also a good person. He learns from his mistakes and he ultimately makes things right. The film shows that it is never too late to change your life for the better.