Michael J. Fox, renowned for his role as Marty McFly in the 1985 sci-fi hit Back to the Future, expressed his dislike for driving the iconic DeLorean time machine during filming. Despite the car’s legendary Hollywood status, Fox detailed the discomfort and hazards he faced while behind the wheel, shedding light on the difficulties of his famous role.
The Challenges Behind the Wheel of the Time-Traveling Car
In his memoir Future Boy, Fox revealed that his initial excitement about driving the DeLorean quickly faded. He described the car as far from impressive, stating the poor acceleration and cheap interior made the experience unpleasant. He wrote,
“First of all, let’s face it – it’s a s— car. Slow to accelerate, with cheap appointments, and that’s before our special effects crew added their two cents (or several million dollars, all in).”
Michael J. Fox, Actor
The DeLorean’s interior was modified with various fictional devices like the flux capacitor and time clocks, which added another layer of difficulty. Fox noted these additions were not just props, but rough and sharp, causing him physical discomfort.
“Those jerry-rigged accoutrements – the flux capacitor and various time clocks and flourishes – tend to be rather rough-edged, metallic and sharp.”
Michael J. Fox, Actor
He recalled sustaining multiple injuries from the car’s interior during filming:
“After that first night in the driver’s seat and for the remainder of the movie, my hands are crisscrossed with lacerations, my knuckles bruised, and my elbows contused from slamming into the space-edged console.”
Michael J. Fox, Actor
Nevertheless, Fox embraced the demanding nature of the work, quoting a well-known expression from the entertainment industry:
“As they say in show business, pain is temporary, film is forever.”
Michael J. Fox, Actor
Plot and Cast of Back to the Future
Back to the Future follows teenager Marty McFly as he is accidentally sent from 1985 to 1955 in the time-traveling DeLorean, designed by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, played by Christopher Lloyd. The story centers on Marty’s mission to ensure his parents, George and Lorraine McFly, fall in love so that he can safely return to his own time.
The film was directed by Robert Zemeckis and featured a supporting cast including Lea Thompson as Lorraine Baines McFly, Crispin Glover as George McFly, Thomas F. Wilson as antagonist Biff Tannen, and Claudia Wells as Jennifer Parker.
On-Set Dynamics with Crispin Glover
In his memoir, Fox also recounted challenges encountered with Crispin Glover, who portrayed his character’s father, George McFly. Glover brought a unique approach to his role that sometimes complicated filming. Fox explained,
“Nobody puts Crispin in a box. But that didn’t prevent the camera crew from literally building a box around him. As George McFly, Crispin had his own ideas as to how and where his character should move.”
Michael J. Fox, Actor
Glover’s refusal to remain on mark during dialogue scenes forced the production crew to intervene. Fox shared,
“As Crispin approached the camera, he was meant to stay in a lane between the clothesline and me. But Crispin had a different plan. My guess is that he saw George as a wanderer, a free spirit who traveled in random patterns – in this case, perpendicular to the camera.”
Michael J. Fox, Actor
To address this, the crew constructed a small corral of sandbags and equipment to physically guide Glover within the shot’s boundaries.
“The crew fabricated a miniature corral made of sandbags and C-stands, trapping Crispin into adhering to the parameters of the shot.”
Michael J. Fox, Actor
Despite these difficulties, Fox expressed respect and admiration for Glover’s dedication and talent.
“His talent was unquestionable, although his methods sometimes created friction. Still, I respected how he remained true to George (as he understood and embodied him).”
Michael J. Fox, Actor
The Lasting Impact of Michael J Fox’s Experience
Michael J. Fox’s candid reflections reveal the unexpected challenges behind the creation of a beloved film. His struggles driving the DeLorean highlight the physical toll actors sometimes endure to bring fantasy elements to life. Moreover, his insights into working with the passionate but unconventional Glover offer a glimpse at the complex dynamics on set.
As Back to the Future approaches its milestone anniversaries, Fox’s memoir adds a fresh layer of understanding to the production’s legacy, showing how even the most enduring Hollywood icons come with hidden difficulties. Fans can appreciate both the magic captured on screen and the real-life efforts that made it possible.
