Watch: Detailed 30-Minute Video Essay Explores The Making Of And Magic Of 'Back To The Future'

One of the most definitive and funniest movies about time travel turned 30 this year. On July 3, 1985, Robert Zemeckis’ classic “Back to the Future” opened in the United States, launching a trilogy and setting a new standard for science fiction films. Sine then, cinephiles across the world have studied the film and its screenplay, both notable examples, not just of genre storytelling, but of filmmaking at large. Of the many enthusiasts and students to have analyzed the film is the prolific and very thorough reviewer, Oliver Harper.

Harper’s latest film retrospective is a nearly 30-minute study of Zemeckis’ masterwork, and as example of his own prowess as a storyteller and someone who thoroughly understands the film medium, it begins with a two and a half minute summary of the film, edited together entirely from scenes in the movie. Following the well-crafted synopsis, Harper shifts his breakdown into drive by detailing briefly the genesis of the film, in particular Zemeckis’...