Film Language Tag: MacGuffin
Any situation, goal, or device that sets a story in motion. An element of a story that drives the plot, and about which the characters care a great deal, but that ultimately has little to do with the main action, story, or theme of the work and holds little interest for the audience. Secret plans, formulae, and documents are typical MacGuffins.
2 Film Clips
Marion's Thoughts, Psycho
Marion imagines what people are saying about her disappearance.
No Trespassing, Citizen Kane
Kane's residence, Xanadu, is established as the setting and Kane speaks his dying words.
1 Series Clips
The Experiment
"Help Is Other People", The Good Place: Season 4, Episode 7
Simone reveals her theory about the good place to the rest of the group.