Query Resolution: Why Doesn't the Faxed Document Disappear in Back to the Future III?

Many cinephiles have puzzled over plot points in the Back to the Future trilogy, and one common question revolves around the faxed document in Back to the Future III. In the movie, when the fired notes content is cancelled, the question arises: why doesn't the entire faxed document disappear? Let's dive into the details of the story and explore the logic behind this curious aspect of the movie.

Plot Overview and the Faxed Document

In Back to the Future II, Marty McFly, a struggling musician, finds himself interrupted by his friend Ned 'Needles' Flea, who works for 'The Gents,' a bunch of shady businesspeople. Needle's taunts during a karaoke session inadvertently lead to Marty being fired. This event is crucial as it sets up the events in Back to the Future III.

Cross-temporally, in Back to the Future III

, when Marty becomes the sheriff of Hill Valley and uses the delorean to go back in time, with Doc Brown's help, to save his future self (and Eldon Brown) from becoming the evil Wiggum the Robot. In the process, Marty must ensure that certain events do not occur, leading to a different future. When he stops Ned 'Needles' Flea from humiliating him, he inadvertently prevents himself from being fired. However, the question remains: why doesn't the faxed document that resulted from his firing just vanish?

Explaining the Logic: Back to the Future Logic?

According to the logic in the Back to the Future series, the reality of a document doesn't depend solely on the future conformation. The physical document exists as a tangible piece of paper, and its creation is a part of the historical framework in that reality. This framework exists independent of the future events, making the document a permanent physical piece of evidence until it is destroyed or fades away naturally.

While it may seem illogical from a purely causal perspective, the movie indulges in a form of narrative convenience to ensure that the story flows smoothly without problematic plot holes. The document serves as a critical piece of evidence and a symbol of the conflict, and its physical existence in the timeline contributes to the story's resolution and the characters' actions.

Other Examples of Narrative Convenience in Movie Logics

This isn't the only instance of narrative convenience in film. Many movies, especially in the science fiction and fantasy genres, have moments where realistic explanations don't hold. For example, in the Ghostbusters series, ghosts can walk through walls but not the floor. A logical explanation might make the films less entertaining. Similarly, in Pirates of the Caribbean series, mer-people can walk on land for short periods, but ghosts and skeletons can animate and walk with ease. These inconsistencies are designed to enhance the plot and maintain audience engagement.

The Importance of Narrative Consistency

Approaching narrative consistency is vital in storytelling, especially in films with intricate timelines like the Back to the Future series. While there are lapses in logic, the creators often trade these for plot convenience and character-driven drama.

For instance, if the entire faxed document disappeared whenever its contents were altered, numerous puzzles and mysteries could be rendered unsolvable by the story. The physical document serves as a tangible representation of the fictional world and a key element in the narrative, making it a worthwhile trade-off to maintain the integrity of the overall plot.

Further Analysis and Discussion

Discussing the logic behind the faxed document in Back to the Future can lead to a broader exploration of narrative freedom and the impact of physical evidence in storytelling. It raises questions about how writers and filmmakers balance realism and narrative convenience, ensuring that the story remains compelling and watchable.

By examining these points, we can further appreciate the craftsmanship and creativity that goes into crafting a cinematic universe that, while not entirely free from plot holes, still manages to captivate audiences with its engaging storyline and memorable moments.

So, while the faxed document in Back to the Future III doesn't disappear, it remains a pivotal part of the story. Whether you see it as a convenient story device or a narrative error, it's an intriguing element that has sparked discussion and debate among fans for years.