Classic Film Terms
Named after a famous director, this term describes a plot device that drives the story but might ultimately be meaningless—like the briefcase in Pulp Fiction.
What is a MacGuffin?
In Love & Basketball, Monica had one last chance to win Q’s heart. What game did she challenge him to?
What is a one-on-one?
"All my life I had to fight."
Who is Sophia, The Color Purple
This color palette technique is used to visually contrast characters and themes, like the cold blues and warm golds in Moonlight.
What is color grading?
“This Christmas” features a family reunion with an all star cast. But what was the name of the family matriarch played by Loretta Devine?
Who is Ma'Dere?
"The world is yours."
What is the blimp, Scarface?
This term describes the objects, clothing, or background details placed deliberately in a scene to help tell the story without dialogue.
What is mise-en-scène?
Spike Lee used this now icon filming technique to depict scenes from a child’s perspective in the movie Crooklyn.
What is the squeeze effect?
"There are years that ask questions and years that answer."
Who is Janie, There Eyes Were Watching God?