In his memoir, Future Boy: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum, Michael J. Fox reflects on his experiences filming the iconic movie Back to the Future, highlighting the challenging dynamic he encountered with co-star Crispin Glover. Released on October 14, the book delves into the tensions between Glover and the filmmakers on set, revealing how their creative differences unfolded during production.
On-Set Disputes Between Crispin Glover and the Creative Team
Fox recalls instances where Crispin Glover, who portrayed George McFly, often challenged the direction set by writer Bob Gale and director Bob Zemeckis. Glover’s interpretation of his role sometimes conflicted with their vision, leading to moments of friction. One particular scene involved Glover moving unpredictably around a clothesline during a conversation with Fox’s character, Marty McFly, deviating from the planned staging.
Fox described the scene’s difficulties, stating that while Glover was supposed to stay within a specific lane between the clothesline and Fox, Glover instead chose to move freely, embodying George McFly as a “wanderer” who did not conform to strict blocking. This behavior frustrated the crew, prompting one member to build a small enclosure using sandbags and equipment to limit Glover’s movement to the intended area.
The Unique Acting Style of Crispin Glover Compared to Fellow Cast
Fox portrays Glover as a talented but unpredictable actor whose methods occasionally complicated production. He noted his admiration for Glover’s deep commitment to his character while also acknowledging the tension this caused on set. Before Back to the Future, Fox knew Glover but said working alongside him was an entirely different experience due to Glover’s unpredictable approach.
Fox contrasted Glover’s style with that of Christopher Lloyd, who played Doc Brown. While Lloyd was more consistent and script-focused, Glover’s trained theater background meant he frequently improvised, making it impossible to anticipate his actions. Fox remarked,
“I never knew what Crispin was going to say or do. I’m not sure he knew, either.”
Fox’s Reflections and Outreach to Crispin Glover
Despite the challenges during filming, Fox maintains respect for Glover’s artistry. In a letter written during the memoir’s creation, Fox praised Glover’s performance as “richer and deeper every time” he watches it, expressing regret that they did not communicate much during production. He acknowledged how thrilling it was to work alongside such a brilliant actor, stating,
“Granted, we didn’t talk much during production, so I never had the chance to say that you are a brilliant actor, and I was thrilled to work with you.”
The Ongoing Legacy of Back to the Future and Its Cast Dynamics
Michael J. Fox’s candid recounting of his experience with Crispin Glover sheds light on the creative tensions that can arise on film sets when strong artistic visions collide. This insight into the making of Back to the Future enriches the understanding of how behind-the-scenes dynamics shaped a beloved classic. The memoir’s release invites fans and film enthusiasts alike to revisit the film with a new appreciation for the complexity involved in its creation.
