‘Back to the Future’ Film Study Name:

In 1985, Steven Speilberg and Robert Zemeckis released a film that changed how we think about time travel. Using classic and relatable characters, the filmmakers told the story of Marty McFly – an ordinary teenager just like you who was catapulted back in time. On his journey, Marty had the rare opportunity to look at his town as it had been years before, meeting the teenage versions of his parents. ‘Back to the Future’ has stood the test of time and become a family classic because of the strength of the story, the setting and the characters.

Your Task:

1.  Complete a full plot diagram for the events in this film. You must include the following:

a.  Introduction – Problem – Rising Action (at least five events) – Climax – Falling Action – Conclusion

2.  Write a short journal entry considering what you would do and say if you travelled back in time and ran into your parent (s) when they were your age. Try and think of at least three questions you would ask them. (75 words)

3.  Choose one character from the following list. Write a short 50 word description of the character focusing on their strengths, weaknesses and their backgrounds (age, family etc.) as characters. Highlight the changes that character undergoes through the course of the film. Why do these changes occur?

a.  Marty McFly

b.  Doc Brown

c.  George McFly

d.  Lorraine Baines McFly

e.  Biff Tannen

f.  Other (ask Mr. Good)

4.  Describe what the setting (Hill Valley) in 1955 and 1985. What changes over those 30 years? Why do these changes occur? What do these changes make you think about? (100)

5.  Create a high quality presentation for one of the following:

a.  A Movie Poster advertising the original or a remake of the film. The poster should

b.  A filmed movie trailer – shoot original footage with the purpose of advertising the original or the remake of the film

c.  “Back to the Future” in 2 minutes – re-enact the main parts in the plot with two or three group members

d.  Write a detailed film review highlighting what you liked about the film and what you would have improved. (250 words)

e.  Build a detailed model or draw an accurate representation of your favourite setting from the film. Write a 50 word explanation for why you chose this

f.  Draw a detailed character profile of your favourite character from the film. This should include several quotes describing the character or several phrases they are well known for. (Think back to our Christmas Carol study)

6.  Using the rubric provided below, you will add two more categories to mark your own work. You will fill in what you feel represents an A, B C or a D. An E will be understood as an incomplete or a not handed in.

D / C / B / A
Content / Very little effort has been made to demonstrate understanding of our film study / Satisfactory effort has been made demonstrating an understanding of our film study / The student has demonstrated a solid understanding of our film study, but certain areas are lacking / The student has demonstrated a strong and carefully considered understanding of our film study
Presentation

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