Original artwork, not a still
If you put your mind to it, you could accomplish anything.
— Back to the Future ‧ 1985
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
The film hands one sentence down four times: Doc to Marty, Marty to Jennifer and to George, and finally George to his own family. By the last one it has done what it promises, because a coward who was told he could has become the man who says so. It stays on classroom walls and graduation cards as the trilogy's most gentle piece of advice.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for Back to the FutureShow the scene
Back to the Future (1985). The line is Doc's advice, passed from person to person. In 1985 Jennifer reminds Marty that it is what Doc always says. In 1955 Marty tells it to a frightened George, who wishes he were less scared of Biff and of asking Lorraine to the dance. In the changed 1985 at the end, George is a published author, and as Biff delivers a box with his first novel, George says it to the family, Marty included. Marty then finds a new truck in the garage.
Sources (3)
- Futurepedia: Back to the Future transcriptJennifer and Marty walking; Marty and George in 1955; the changed 1985 houseReference checked
- Wikiquote: Back to the FutureDialogue, Marty and JenniferReference checked
- Futurepedia: Quote:Back to the Futureopening quoteReference checked
Context reviewed
