1. Textual Analysis – Back to the Future II
Choose a film that is set in the future and identify some of the ways the film-makers have
attempted to portray this “future world”
Title of film / year of release / Director:Back to the Future – Part Two / 1989 / Robert
Zemeckis
Costume:The costumes are made with a style that symbolises a futuristic setting. The
clothes shown are purposely unrealistic in order to show that this is definitely set in the
future. The uses of interesting materials show that this is of a different era to the current
one. When Marty gets wet after falling off his hoverboard, the clothes built in features will
dry the clothes for him. When his clothes don’t fit him the clothes built in features also
alters the clothes design to suit him. These enhanced features are things that definitely
would not be seen on clothes in 1989, the year the film was made. These are more hints
through the clothes that suggest this film is based in a future generation. The gadgets on the
trainers are also realistic for this film as it shows off the technology that is not available in
the current generation. This again reiterates to the viewer that this film is set in the next
generation.
Sound: The realistic sounds of the hoverboard and flying cars show us that this is a film set
in the future. These sounds of wind or electric powered board show technology not
available in the current generation. The sounds of flying are also heard which also shows
technology not currently available. This again hints at a film set in the future.
Camera work (angles, composition, and movement): The camera shots used are interesting
as they show off all areas of the futuristic Hill Valley so we can see exactly how all areas of
the location have been modernised in this film. The close camera shots during the
hoverboard scenes show the viewer the intensity of the action and the brilliance of the
contraptions at work. The camera angles also show off the futuristic aspects further such as
the flying cars landing. This is something that will yet again show off the next generation.

2. Special effects (CGI, models etc): The special effects used help generate a realistic effect of a
future generation. The floating hoverboard is a gadget that is not seen in the modern
generation so is another hint at a future generation. The floating effect also gives us an
indication at the future. This is good special effect use to create a realistic and futuristic
object. The smoke effects and flames coming from one of the flying cars and Biffs
hoverboard reiterates to the viewer that this is a next generation film.