What is a MacGuffin?
#2
Originally Posted by jeffkjoe
Can someone give me a clear definition of what a MacGuffin is?
I see this term often when a reviewer describes the plot of a movie.
I see this term often when a reviewer describes the plot of a movie.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacGuffin
A MacGuffin (sometimes McGuffin or Maguffin) is a plot device that motivates the characters and advances the story, but has little other relevance to the story.
The microfilm in North by Northwest (1959)
The glowing briefcase in Pulp Fiction (1994)
The "metal case" in Ronin (1998)
Last edited by covenant; 04-01-07 at 02:13 PM.
#3
A MacGuffin is something that doesn't really matter, but drives the plot. This is generally something the characters want, but doesn't actually do anything or mean anything to them other than wanting it and motivating the characters to go and get it (or attempt to get it), thus moving the story along.
#8
Originally Posted by PopcornTreeCt
Sometimes a MacGuffin can be a person, wouldn't Jeremy Piven's character be considered a MacGuffin in Smokin' Aces? I haven't seen the movie.
#12
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Originally Posted by mike7162
I thought the MacGuffin originated in "Notorious" with the champagne bottle full of uranium.
#13
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The champagne bottle is just one of MacGuffin. Hitch have already did several movies with MacGuffin before Notorious, such as The Lady Vanishes.
#15
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Originally Posted by Cartload
Laura Palmer's death was intended to be the MacGuffin in Twin Peaks.
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I would argue that "Rosebud" isn't a MacGuffin in Citizen Kane, as it in no way has "little relevence to the story". That Rosebud reveal was one of the most devestating things I've ever seen on film, when you finally realise what it meant to the character of Kane. It had huge relevance.
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Originally Posted by hardercore
That Rosebud reveal was one of the most devestating things I've ever seen on film, when you finally realise what it meant to the character of Kane. It had huge relevance.
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Originally Posted by Mosskeeto
According to some sources, including Kenneth Anger's "Hollywood Babylon", Rosebud was really W.R.Hearst's nickname for his favorite part of Marion Davies's sexual organ.
#22
Originally Posted by hardercore
LOL. Well it was devastating in the context of the film. Just absolutely sucked the wind out of me.
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It was just really emotional. Once you realise what "Rosebud" is, and when you realise that flashback halfway through the film that seemed like it could be written off as just backstory comes full cricle and really means something now that you have seen what Kane had become before he died.
Filmsite.org explains it much better than I can:
Filmsite.org explains it much better than I can:
Spoiler:
Last edited by hardercore; 04-07-07 at 11:42 PM.