What filmmaking techniques does Back to the Future Part II use?

CineCode breaks down 5 techniques in Back to the Future Part II (1989): Callback Editing, Counterfactual Narrative, Practical In-Camera Effects, Chekhov's Gun and Era-Coded Visual Grammar.

Who directed Back to the Future Part II?

Robert Zemeckis directed Back to the Future Part II, released in 1989. CineCode also covers Romancing the Stone (1984), Back to the Future (1985), Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), Back to the Future Part III (1990), Death Becomes Her (1992), Forrest Gump (1994).

What films are similar to Back to the Future Part II?

Films that share techniques with Back to the Future Part II include Back to the Future (1985), Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), Top Gun: Maverick (2022), Moby Dick (1956).

Adventure · Comedy · Science Fiction

Back to the Future Part II

Robert Zemeckis, 1989

Marty McFly and Doc Brown travel to 2015, but Biff gets hold of a sports almanac and rewrites history. The film races to fix the timeline by revisiting 1955. Watch how Zemeckis revisits the first film's scenes from new angles.

1 Editing 2 Narrative 2 Cinematography

At a glance

Back to the Future Part II is a 1989 adventure, comedy and science fiction film directed by Robert Zemeckis. This breakdown covers 5 techniques (1 editing, 2 narrative and 2 cinematography), each with the scene where you can see it. If you like how it is made, Back to the Future uses several of the same techniques.

Editing

Callback Editing

Bringing back an earlier image, line, location or piece of staging later in the film, often with the situation reversed. You enjoy recognizing it, and the comparison adds meaning.

How this film uses it

The film returns to the 1955 dance from the first film, but Marty is now watching himself from the outside. The same moments carry new meaning. Fans get to enjoy the recognition and the fresh angle.

Where to see it

The 1955 dance: Marty watches the first film's dance from a new vantage and has to step in when Biff's gang goes after the other Marty onstage.

Narrative

Counterfactual Narrative

Building the story on a what-if, such as a version of history or of a life that went differently. Seeing the alternative shows you why the real version matters.

How this film uses it

Biff's use of the almanac creates a dark alternate 1985. George is dead, Lorraine is married to Biff, and Doc is in a mental hospital. Seeing that world makes you appreciate the real one.

Where to see it

The alternate 1985: Marty returns to a Hill Valley run by a rich, corrupt Biff.

Cinematography

Practical In-Camera Effects

Creating effects physically on set with makeup, prosthetics, built props and camera tricks, with no computer graphics added later. The results look solid and real.

How this film uses it

The film used a motion-control camera system to let Michael J. Fox play Marty Sr., Marty Jr. and Marlene in the same scene, with the camera moving. It is an in-camera trick that avoids computer graphics. The scene feels natural even though one actor fills three seats.

Where to see it

The McFly family dinner: In 2015, Fox plays Marty, Marty Jr. and Marlene at the dinner table.

Narrative

Chekhov's Gun

Showing an object or detail early on that becomes important later. The idea is that nothing gets screen time unless the story is going to use it.

How this film uses it

The sports almanac appears early and everything depends on it. First it seems like a throwaway souvenir, then it becomes the object that wrecks the timeline. The story pays it off in every act.

Where to see it

The almanac: Marty buys it in 2015, old Biff picks it up after Marty discards it, and Marty finally burns it in 1955.

Cinematography

Era-Coded Visual Grammar

Changing the color, film texture and camera style for each time period, and using the fashion and architecture of the day. Every era gets its own distinct feel.

How this film uses it

Each time period gets its own look. The 2015 Hill Valley is bright and futuristic, the altered 1985 is dark and ugly, and 1955 looks like the first film. You always know where you are.

Where to see it

The time jumps: The film moves between 1985, 2015, the altered 1985 and 1955, with each setting having its own style.

Questions

Back to the Future Part II: quick answers

What filmmaking techniques does Back to the Future Part II use?: CineCode breaks down 5 techniques in Back to the Future Part II (1989): Callback Editing, Counterfactual Narrative, Practical In-Camera Effects, Chekhov's Gun and Era-Coded Visual Grammar.
Who directed Back to the Future Part II?: Robert Zemeckis directed Back to the Future Part II, released in 1989. CineCode also covers Romancing the Stone (1984), Back to the Future (1985), Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), Back to the Future Part III (1990), Death Becomes Her (1992), Forrest Gump (1994).
What films are similar to Back to the Future Part II?: Films that share techniques with Back to the Future Part II include Back to the Future (1985), Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), Top Gun: Maverick (2022), Moby Dick (1956).

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