Plot Device
Created on : January 11, 2024 11:31
Denotation
A plot device or plot mechanism is any technique in a narrative used to move the plot forward. A clichéd plot device may annoy the reader and a contrived or arbitrary device may confuse the reader, causing a loss of the suspension of disbelief. However, a well-crafted plot device, or one that emerges naturally from the setting or characters of the story, may be entirely accepted, or may even be unnoticed by the audience.
Description
A "plot device" refers to a narrative element or a storytelling technique that is used to advance the plot or create conflict in a story. It is a tool employed by script writers and filmmakers to drive the narrative forward introduce twists or resolve conflicts. Plot devices can take various forms and their effectiveness depends on how well they are integrated into the overall story.
Here are some common types of Plot Devices in the film industry:
MacGuffin: A MacGuffin is an object, goal or other motivator that the protagonist pursues often with great significance to the characters, but the audience may not fully understand or care about its nature. The classic example is the briefcase in "Pulp Fiction" or the Ark of the Covenant in "Raiders of the Lost Ark."
Deus Ex Machina: This is a plot device where a seemingly unsolvable problem is suddenly and abruptly resolved by an unexpected and unlikely occurrence. It can be a character, event or object that appears out of nowhere to save the day. While this can be a convenient way to tie up loose ends, it's often criticized for being a contrived resolution.
Red Herring: A red herring is a misleading clue or distraction that is meant to divert the audience's attention away from an important plot point. It creates suspense and surprises when the true nature of the situation is revealed. Alfred Hitchcock was known for using red herrings effectively in his films.
Chekhov's Gun: This principle is derived from the advice of playwright Anton Chekhov stating that every element in a story should be necessary and irreplaceable. If a gun is introduced early in the story, it should be fired by the end. In filmmaking, this concept is often used to highlight details that will have relevance later in the plot.
Time Travel: Time travel is a plot device that involves characters moving between different points in time. It can be used to explore alternate realities, change historical events or create complex narrative structures. Films like "Back to the Future" and "Looper" employ time travel as a central plot device.
Flashback/Flashforward: These are narrative techniques that involve interrupting the chronological sequence of events to present film scenes from the past (flashback) or future (flashforward). They are used to provide context, reveal information or build suspense.
Twist Ending: A twist ending is a surprising turn of events that deviates from the expected outcome. It can redefine the entire narrative and leave the audience with a new perspective on the story. M. Night Shyamalan's films, such as "The Sixth Sense" and "The Village," are known for their twist endings.
While plot devices can be powerful tools for film, their success depends on how well they are executed within the context of the movie story. When used effectively plot devices can engage and captivate the audience but overreliance or misuse can lead to a sense of contrivance or predictability.