Mcguffin (Noun)
Meaning
(film) a plot element that catches the viewers' attention or drives the plot; "the McGuffin was a key element of Alfred Hitchcock's films".
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- The valuable necklace in the movie served as the McGuffin, motivating the characters' actions and advancing the plot.
- In the classic film noir, the McGuffin was a mysterious suitcase whose contents were never revealed, but drove the entire narrative.
- The sci-fi blockbuster's McGuffin was a powerful artificial intelligence system that everyone wanted to control.
- For many viewers, the exact nature of the McGuffin in the confusing plot twist was unclear, but it didn't detract from the overall enjoyment of the film.
- The priceless artifact in the museum heist movie was a classic McGuffin, sparking a thrilling adventure that kept viewers on the edge of their seats.