Back to the Future: Why Marty McFly Really Hates Being Called A Chicken
Why does the word “chicken” trigger Marty McFly in the Back to the Future trilogy? We break down the subtext and thematic connections to other films.
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Why does the word “chicken” really upset Marty McFly in the Back to the Future trilogy? The mocking term is often used to challenge the protagonist’s bravery, and his intense reactions suggest that it triggers a deep-rooted psychological issue. However, the recurring chicken narrative actually allows director Robert Zemeckis to reference his cinematic inspirations while setting up a full-circle moment in Back to the Future Part III.
The Back to the Future trilogy was written by Zemeckis and Bob Gale. In 1985, the original film released starring Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, a teenager who inadvertently travels to 1955 and must find a younger version of his scientist friend, Emmett “Doc” Brown (Christopher Lloyd). The original franchise-starter doesn’t include any “chicken” references in the 1955 or 1985 timelines, but does suggest that Marty doesn’t want to end up being passive like his father, George, who is bullied throughout his life by Biff Tannen (Thomas F. Wilson).
In Back to the Future Part II, Biff and his son Griff (Wilson) are responsible for provoking Marty with the word “chicken.” During a 2015 sequence, Griff mistakenly identifies Marty as his son Marty Jr. and challenges him at Café 8os. Fox’s character is clearly rattled by the insult, and the actor plays it up with his dramatic posturing. By the climax, Biff similarly challenges Marty McFly in the 1955 timeline, prompting a slow head turn and menacing stare from the time-traveling protagonist. At this point, Marty is just about to return to 1985 after acquiring a sports almanac that will prevent Biff from correctly predicting outcomes and becoming a multi-millionaire. Crucially, though, he accidentally stays too long. As a result, Doc is transported to 1885, which sets up the Old West premise for Back to the Future Part III. Storywise, the “chicken” narrative is practically used to connect the franchise’s various timelines.
Thematically, the “chicken” drama allows for Zemeckis and company to reference Clint Eastwood’s iconic Man with No Name character, the main antihero from Sergio Leone’s “Dollars Trilogy.” When Marty dramatically reacts to “chicken,” the filmmakers pay homage to the Spaghetti Westerns films A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More, and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Specifically, they reference Eastwood’s stoic demeanor as the focal character.
It’s also worth noting that James Dean’s character in Rebel Without a Cause also reacts dramatically when called “chicken.” The film was released in October 1955, so it would’ve been playing in theaters during the November 1955 timeline in Back to the Future and Back to the Future Part II. In real life, Dean tragically passed away in September 1955, and his death historically aligns with the rise of teenager rebellion in America. In addition, Dean’s third and final film, Giant, is also a classic western. So, in a way, the thematic structure of the Back to the Future trilogy aligns with Dean’s legacy and three-feature filmography: family drama (East of Eden), teenager drama (Rebel Without a Cause), western (Giant).
In Back to the Future Part III, Zemeckis brings the chicken narrative full circle. First, Buford Tannen (Wilson) challenges Marty in the 1885 timeline, and the film later references A Fistful of Dollars when Fox’s character utilizes an iron stove plate during a duel. All the action sets up the 1985 climax and a drag race challenge with Needles (Flea). This time around, Marty doesn’t react dramatically when called a “chicken” but rather composes himself and changes the future. At the beginning of Back to the Future Part II, it’s revealed that the word “chicken” caused a 1985 car accident which set off a chain reaction that negatively affected Marty’s future (and thus led to his chicken rage). By the end of the Back to the Future trilogy, the protagonist finally makes things right and begins anew.
Link Source : https://screenrant.com/back-future-movies-marty-mcfly-chicken-hate-reason/