As a cinephile who’s spent countless nights huddled under a blanket with popcorn and a remote control, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing some truly iconic MacGuffins grace the silver screen. From diamonds to buried treasures, these mysterious objects have driven countless characters on epic adventures, and in turn, enriched our viewing experiences.
The phrase “MacGuffin” was first used by Angus MacPhail, a frequent screenwriter collaborator of Alfred Hitchcock. While Hitchcock is commonly linked with this term, he not only frequently used it but also often incorporated MacGuffins in his films. Essentially, a MacGuffin is an item (commonly found) that significantly drives the characters’ actions within a film and serves as the catalyst for the storyline progression.
In this context, a MacGuffin can refer to either a person or a character within a storyline. This element may hold significance for the plot, serving as a driving force, or it could seem insignificant but still push the narrative forward. The key aspect is that it moves the story along.
Pee-Wee’s Bicycle In Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure
In the iconic ’80s film “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure,” one of the central plot devices is Pee-Wee Herman’s bike. When his beloved bicycle gets stolen, Pee-Wee embarks on an exciting journey across the country to retrieve it from the Alamo’s basement. The missing bike is crucial to the storyline, making it a classic example of a MacGuffin – a plot device that propels the narrative forward without having any intrinsic value or relevance in itself.
The Briefcase In Pulp Fiction
One intriguing application of a MacGuffin can be found in Quentin Tarantino’s masterpiece, “Pulp Fiction”. The true nature of the MacGuffin remains unseen, only the briefcase that contains it is glimpsed. Its golden aura and the spellbinding effect it has on those who behold it suggest that it could be either exceptionally beautiful or highly valuable, or perhaps both.
Doug In The Hangover
On occasions, the MacGuffin could be a character rather than an object. Whether you dispute this or not, we’re not swayed by your arguments. Let’s use the character Doug from the film “The Hangover” to illustrate this point. The narrative wouldn’t progress without the search for Doug, and otherwise, the groom-to-be isn’t particularly significant, appearing only in a few scenes at the start and end. If Doug wasn’t present, there would be no bachelor party, hence no hangovers to unfold in the movie.
Big Worm’s Money In Friday
On a Friday, Craig (Ice Cube) finds himself caught up in Smokey’s disastrous day after Smokey (Chris Tucker) gets into financial trouble with a local drug dealer and needs to pay him back promptly or face serious consequences. At first, Smokey isn’t too eager to take action, but eventually, he finds the necessary motivation by the end of the day.
The Death Star Plans In Star Wars
In the original Star Wars, there’s a continuous discussion about what exactly the MacGuffin is. Some believe it’s the Death Star plans that R2-D2 carries on Princess Leia’s orders, while others think it’s R2-D2 himself. However, let’s not get too technical since they both play crucial roles in the grand journey, essentially serving as one and the same key element.
The Letters Of Transit In Casablanca
At the onset of the film Casablanca, it’s made clear that during World War II, everyone in Casablanca is desperate to leave and find safety elsewhere, often aiming for the United States through Portugal. This is why the letters of transit hold such significance, particularly for individuals like Victor Lazlo who are pursued by the Germans as spies. The quest for these letters, Rick’s concealment of them, and the developing romance between Rick and Elsa serve as the main narrative elements of the story.
The Dude’s Rug In The Big Lebowski
In their films, the Coen Brothers often employ MacGuffins, and they crafted an exceptional one for the movie “The Big Lebowski” – The Dude’s prized rug. While seemingly insignificant in the larger context, this rug is crucial as it fuels The Dude’s anger over its damage and his subsequent quest to find a replacement (since it perfectly complemented his living space). Without this motivation, there would be no exciting journey whatsoever.
The Ring In The Lord Of The Rings
In the epic saga known as “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, one of the most significant plot devices is the One Ring that rules them all. Undeniably, this object embodies the essence of a MacGuffin since virtually every character and action within the franchise revolves around it.
The Ark In Raiders Of The Lost Ark
Each Indiana Jones film employs a plot device known as MacGuffin to propel Harrison Ford’s character, the titular hero, into various escapades. In the initial movie of the five-part series, the MacGuffin is none other than the Lost Ark of the Covenant. This enigmatic artifact is sought after by both Indy and the Germans, with the first possessor potentially altering the course of World War II and even shaping the destiny of the entire world.
The Fabergé Egg In Octopussy
As a gamer, I can’t help but appreciate the clever use of MacGuffins in James Bond films, and none have been more intriguing than the Fabergé Egg in Octopussy. It’s not just an eye-catching plot device, but something so unexpected for a spy like Bond to be chasing after. Yet, it fits seamlessly into the storyline, making it all the more exciting!
Rosebud In Citizen Kane
In the opening scene of “Citizen Kane“, the character Kane utters “Rosebud.” The film then leaves us puzzling over this phrase throughout its duration. Eventually, in the climactic final scene, we learn that Rosebud was actually Kane’s childhood sled and a symbol of his lost youth. This cherished relic was the driving force behind Kane’s life and ambitions as portrayed in the movie; without the sled, there would be no Charles Foster Kane, the tycoon.
The Plans For The Silent Plane In The 39 Steps
Absolutely, Hitchcock deserves a spot on this list given his expertise in creating the enigmatic concept known as the MacGuffin. A frequently discussed example is from one of his early films, “The 39 Steps.” Whether you consider it to be the secret plans themselves or Mr. Memory, who has committed those plans to memory, serves as the MacGuffin, what’s important is that the entire plot of the movie revolves around these plans, driving all the characters in the film.
Ruby Slippers In The Wizard Of Oz
Among the most iconic items in cinematic history are Dorothy’s ruby slippers from the movie “The Wizard of Oz.” Interestingly enough, it isn’t our protagonist Dorothy chasing after the significant object, known as a MacGuffin, but rather the Wicked Witch of the West who is on a mission to find and seize them. The ruby slippers serve as a driving force for Dorothy, while they motivate her adversary instead.
The Grail In Monty Python And The Holy Grail
In various forms of entertainment, The Cup of Christ, also known as The Holy Grail, is often used as a central plot device, or what we might call a MacGuffin. From Indiana Jones and his father to Robert Langdon in “The Da Vinci Code,” many characters have embarked on a quest for this legendary artifact. However, the most amusing pursuit of the mythical cup must be Monty Python’s search for The Grail. Similar to others, they nearly touched the sacred object, but ultimately were stopped by the authorities. It’s all quite a humorous tale.
Private Ryan In Saving Private Ryan
One excellent instance of a figure serving as an effective MacGuffin is Private Ryan (played by Matt Damon) in the film Saving Private Ryan. While Ryan himself doesn’t play a significant role in the story, his rescue serves as the driving force for Miller (portrayed by Tom Hanks) and his team. The focus of the narrative is primarily on their pursuit of him rather than on Ryan himself. Although we may be invested in whether Ryan has led a virtuous life after being rescued, our main concerns lie with the other characters throughout their mission to find him.
The Maltese Falcon In The Maltese Falcon
In the story “The Maltese Falcon,” the titular artifact, the Maltese Falcon, serves as an excellent illustration of a MacGuffin – essentially, it’s a seemingly ordinary item that sets the plot in motion. The significance of this item could be replaced by anything else; it just so happens to be a small statue that drives all the characters within the movie. It might well be one of the most fundamental instances of an effective MacGuffin in cinematic history.
The Chimera Virus In Mission: Impossible 2
In every Mission: Impossible film, there’s a plot device known as the MacGuffin. Some are more intriguing than others, and while Mission: Impossible 2 is often criticized as the weakest in the series, its MacGuffin – a virus capable of eradicating life on Earth – is particularly captivating. Given our recent experiences with a global pandemic, this plot point seems even more compelling and motivating.
The Infinity Stones In The MCU
Among movie plot devices, none is as universally recognized as the Infinity Stones in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). They make an appearance in over a dozen films, reaching their climax with Thanos’s and his followers’ downfall at the end of Avengers: Endgame. In a poignant moment, Iron Man (Robert Downey, Jr) gives up his life to save the world, demonstrating his capacity for love.
Colonel Kurtz In Apocalypse Now
Marlon Brando’s powerful portrayal of Colonel Kurtz in “Apocalypse Now” significantly contributes to the movie’s greatness, and it’s hard to imagine the film without his performance. However, Willard (Martin Sheen) could have been pursuing any significant objective that would drive him and his boat crew upriver. It just so happened that the object of his search was a renegade psychopath.
The Necklace in Ocean’s 8
In most excellent heist films, there’s typically a compelling MacGuffin driving the plot. In the movie “Ocean’s 8”, the MacGuffin is quite conventional – it’s a highly prized necklace worn by an actress portrayed by Anne Hathaway. The intrigue lies in how the Ocean’s team orchestrates its theft, but at heart, it remains just an item that could have been replaced with something else.
The Declaration Of Independence In National Treasure
Among all aspects of American history, none is more significant than the original Declaration of Independence. In the movie “National Treasure,” this artifact serves as an ideal target for theft. For Benjamin (played by Nicholas Cage), the desire to possess it becomes an obsessive pursuit, driving him to take extreme measures.
The President In Escape From New York
In the movie “Escape From New York,” some people believe that the handcuffed briefcase belonging to the President (played by Donald Pleasance) serves as the true MacGuffin, but let’s assume those pursuing it had some genuine intentions beyond just the object itself and maybe they also aimed to rescue the President himself.
The Heart Of The Ocean Necklace In Titanic
James Cameron wanted to create a compelling reason for viewers to care about the romantic tale in Titanic, as without it, the movie would’ve merely been a disaster film ending too swiftly. He skillfully drew us in by weaving the story of the hunt for the ship and its tales, including the fictional Heart of the Ocean necklace that belonged to Rose and had been with her throughout.
Red Ryder BB Gun In A Christmas Story
In Ralphie’s relentless pursuit of a “Red Ryder BB gun” that also has a compass and a clock built into it, he experiences scolding from Santa, rejection by his mother, writes an impressive essay for his teacher, and inadvertently shoots himself in the eye. This coveted item serves as the central plot device, or the MacGuffin.
The Briefcase Full Of Money – No Country For Old Men
Money serves as the greatest incentive worldwide, regardless of its positive or negative impact. This principle holds true even for individuals such as Llewelyn Moss from the movie “No Country For Old Men,” who initially appears only moderately driven by wealth. Yet, he undergoes an arduous journey to safeguard the suitcase filled with money he discovered and which everyone else is seeking.
The Buried Money/The Big W In It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, World
In a heart-pounding race reminiscent of “It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World,” the ultimate goal isn’t shrouded in mystery – it’s cold, hard cash! The grand prize, a cool $350,000, hidden beneath a large “W” in a California state park, sparks one of the most hilarious casts ever to compete against each other, racing to be the lucky one to dig up the buried treasure.
Genesis Device In Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan
Generally regarded as the finest among all Star Trek films, and undoubtedly the best showcasing the cast from the original series, “Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan” finds both the crew of the Starship Enterprise and their long-time adversary, Khan, scrambling to acquire The Genesis Artifact.
The Buried Treasure In O Brother Where Art Thou?
Another film featuring buried treasure as the central plot device can’t be overlooked – that’s right, the Coen Brothers’ timeless classic, O Brother Where Art Thou?. Despite being inspired by The Odyssey, which was about returning home, this one is less complicated. It revolves around three bumbling convicts on a quest to get rich quick. However, the true essence lies in the companionship and friendships formed during their journey.
The Diamonds In Diamonds Are Forever
James Bond frequently encounters intriguing plot devices, and over time, these have grown more convoluted. We find ourselves longing for simpler times like when it was just a straightforward case of diamonds, as seen in the fittingly named movie, “Diamonds are Eternal.
Turboman Doll In the Jingle All The Way
Each Christmas, there’s usually a popular toy that sparks heated arguments among some people. Take Frank from Seinfeld, for instance, or the man in Jingle All The Way who desperately seeks a Turbo Man doll to delight his child.
The Pink Panther Diamond In The Pink Panther
Peter Sellers’ depiction of Inspector Clouseau in “The Pink Panther” stands among the most memorable comedic acts ever. Throughout the movie, he chases after the purloined Pink Panther diamond, a familiar plot device but significant here due to the clumsy detective on the chase.
Green Destiny Sword In Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
At times, a MacGuffin may refer to an extraordinary artifact or weapon with supernatural powers, such as the Green Destiny Sword in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. This movie, despite its highly artistic style and visual focus, is driven by a straightforward motivating factor, much like any great MacGuffin.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-11-26 18:38