Michael J. Fox Reflects on Crispin Glover’s Wild Energy on BACK TO THE FUTURE Set: “No Way to Prepare”
As Back to the Future hits its 40th anniversary, Michael J. Fox is taking fans on a trip back to 1985 with new behind-the-scenes stories from his latest memoir, Future Boy. One of his reflections regards working alongside Crispin Glover, whose eccentric performance as George McFly made for some unforgettable, and unpredictable, moments on set.
In Future Boy, Fox dives into the creative chaos that surrounded Glover’s unique approach to playing Marty McFly’s awkward dad.
“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.”
Fox recalled one particular day of filming where Glover’s free-spirited instincts took over.
“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.”
It got to the point where the crew had to literally construct barriers to keep Glover on his mark.
“The crew fabricated a miniature corral made of sandbags and C-stands, trapping Crispin into adhering to the parameters of the shot.”
Despite the occasional on-set tension, Fox makes it clear that he appreciated Glover’s commitment to his craft.
“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).”
Even though Glover didn’t return for Back to the Future Part II or Part III, Fox’s memories of his co-star are full of admiration, and a touch of awe.
“I knew Crispin Glover prior to Back to the Future. I wouldn’t, however, say I was prepared to act with him — there’s no way to prepare for Crispin. With Chris Lloyd, I had an inkling of what he was up to. Neither he nor Crispin ever did the same thing the same way twice.”
It’s been four decades since Back to the Future first hit theaters, which is crazy, but stories like this prove just how much wild creative energy went into making one of the most beloved sci-fi adventures of all time.
Fox’s memoir gives fans a rare look at what it was like to work inside that lightning-in-a-bottle magic, even when that magic came with a little chaos courtesy of Crispin Glover.
Source: New York Post