Why Must the DeLorean Travel at Exactly 88 mph in Back to the Future? Unraveling the Myths and Realities

H1: Why Must the DeLorean Travel at Exactly 88 mph in 'Back to the Future'? Unraveling the Myths and Realities

The iconic choice of the DeLorean's 88 mph speed in Back to the Future has captivated fans for decades, yet the reasons behind this specific figure remain a subject of debate and fascination. Despite numerous theories and speculations, the filmmakers' actual reasoning for this speed is often oversimplified or incorrect. Let's delve into the truth behind this peculiar figure, unravel the myths, and explore the realities of time travel in the realm of science fiction and our understanding of physics.

Why 88 mph? A Dramatic and Visually Impactful Choice

The speed of 88 miles per hour (88 mph) is not a scientifically grounded number, yet its effectiveness as a plot device and its iconic status are undeniable. As Bob Gale, one of the writers of Back to the Future, explained in an interview, "We chose 88 because it was easy to remember" (The Back to the Future Sourcebook, 2019). The choice was made for its simplicity and memorability, not for any deep scientific reason.

The Visual and Auditory Impact of 88 mph

The visual and auditory impact of the DeLorean reaching 88 mph is a significant component of the film. This speed serves as a dramatic and memorable threshold that adds to the overall excitement and sense of urgency in the story. In the context of the films, the number 88 mph emphasizes the science fiction elements and the thrill of time travel, creating a powerful narrative device that engages the audience.

Behind the Scenes: The Role of the Speedometer

Interestingly, the choice of 88 mph is also influenced by practical filmmaking considerations. In an interview, Gale mentioned that they chose that number because of its visual appeal on the digital speedometer. Specifically, the number 88 was chosen because it visually resembles two infinity symbols on edge, making it both unique and memorable. However, this was not the entire story; the filmmakers had to build a custom speedometer because a real speedometer would be limited to 85 mph due to a law enacted during Jimmy Carter's presidency. This law mandated a speed limit of 85 mph, which forced the filmmakers to find a workaround to achieve the desired visual effect.

The Reality of Traveling Through Time

Despite the allure of the DeLorean's 88 mph journey, the idea of time travel as presented in the movie is at odds with our current understanding of physics. In reality, time travel is not possible in the way depicted in film. The concept of time as a measurement of the rate and duration of observed actions means that going back or forth through time is not a spatial action. Space is something we can travel through, but time is a dimension within which we exist and cannot be traversed in the way suggested by the DeLorean.

Life in Motion: Our Position in the Cosmic Landscape

It is well-established that we are in constant motion. The Earth rotates on its axis, orbits around the Sun, and the Sun, along with the whole solar system, moves through the galaxy. This constant motion is relative to other celestial bodies and cosmic phenomena. There is no absolute location in the universe; everything is in motion. As such, the idea of going back or forth in time is physically impossible and devoid of meaning outside the entertainment industry. The massive energy required to maintain a three-dimensional version of everything that has ever happened, just so we can visit different points in history, is simply not feasible.

In summary, while the number 88 mph is a memorable and dramatic choice that enhances the storytelling of Back to the Future, it is not based on any scientific reality. The DeLorean's 88 mph journey is a product of the filmmakers' creative vision and the laws of special relativity, not a scientifically viable method of time travel. Understanding the true nature of time and our position in the cosmic landscape can help us appreciate the entertainment and imagination that drive such captivating films.

Keywords:

DeLorean speed 88 mph time travel myth