As far as nostalgic movie nerds of a certain age are concerned, Robert Zemeckis’ sci-fi franchise starter Back To The Future is a perfect film. It’s endlessly quotable, with an iconic pair of lead performances from Matthew J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd, and is probably the definitive cinematic portrayal of time travel.
But is that enough to keep everybody happy? Of course not! In the Internet’s wild west of fan theories, Back To The Future has long been plagued by arguments as to a potential plot hole in its otherwise seamless narrative.
Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn was the one to reignite the long-standing debate via Twitter, bringing up BTTF Part 1 in a discussion about ‘perfect films’. The plot hole in question that Gunn complains about is kind of a head scratcher: why do Marty’s parents not recognise that their grown son looks exactly the same as ‘Calvin’, Marty’s fake identity with whom they interacted in 1955?
Back to the Future SEEMINGLY could be imperfect (why don't Mom and Dad remember Marty?), but I would still argue it's a perfect film because there are reasons why this could conceivably be the case (time protects itself from unraveling, etc). Or maybe I'm in denial. Who knows.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) April 21, 2020
In an already fairly complicated movie, this one question can seem like a sole disappointing nugget of flawed logic. True, Lorraine and Marty Sr. are kind of clueless, but surely they noticed the similarity at some point? Luckily, another Guardians of the Galaxy alum swooped in to defend the movie, this time lead actor Chris Pratt.
Maybe they do remember him tho, not as Marty, as Calvin. When Marty returns to present day 1985, it could have been years since his parents would have perhaps originally noted the uncanny resemblance between their son and that kid from high school 20 years previous. #perfectmovie https://t.co/5S2q2rEtUU
— chris pratt (@prattprattpratt) April 22, 2020
Some other famous fans, such as Parks and Recreation‘s Adam Scott, stepped in as part of Team ‘Leave This Plothole Alone’. But there were also detractors, pointing to other, more heinous challenges to the movie’s logic.
Being the exact age of George & Lorraine 1985: if my son gradually grew to resemble a dude I knew for a week 30 yrs ago & don’t have a photo of—albeit a pivotal dude—it’d at most rate a nostalgic chuckle every couple yrs as we assume we’ve warped Calvin’s looks over time. Tracks!
— Adam Scott (@mradamscott) April 23, 2020
THIS is the plot hole you guys care about? THIS!?!
How the heck did Old Biff return to his 2015 when Marty and Doc couldn't get there from the altered 1985 because the Almanac was placed in 1955?— Nathan Wall – Author (@NathanKnwSports) April 23, 2020
Finally, somebody had to intervene in an official capacity to put this criticism to bed. The Hollywood Reporter got hold of Bob Gale, the film’s screenwriter, and declared the ‘renewed debate’ to be finished.
Gale reminded fans to “bear in mind that George and Lorraine only knew Marty/Calvin for eight days when they were 17, and they did not even see him every one of those eight days. So, many years later, they still might remember that interesting kid who got them together on their first date.”
He continued, “But I would ask anyone to think back on their own high school days and ask themselves how well they remember a kid who might have been at their school for even a semester. Or someone you went out with just one time. If you had no photo reference, after 25 years, you’d probably have just a hazy recollection.”
See? It’s a simple question of the inevitable decay of human memory. Now nobody can criticise this wonderful movie ever again!
Problem w/ Gale saying they only knew the kid for 1 week is this… He was hit w/ a car by her dad, she undressed him, he skateboarded Biff into manure, he parked in a car w/ her, & jammed to Johnny B Good at her dance. How is this guy not going to stand out in your memories?
— Zubac's Burner (@MagicIStheGOAT) April 23, 2020
Goddamnit. Whatever. All the Back to the Future movies are available on Netflix, you ingrates.
