This month in Film studies (words I find myself saying much
too frequently…) I learnt how director Alfred Hitchcock incorporates his iconic
MacGuffin’s into his films and how
they impose distinctive significance to storylines. For those of you who aren’t
familiar, a MacGuffin
“…is a plot device in
the form of some goal, desired object, or other motivator that the protagonist
pursues, often with little or no narrative explanation; a MacGuffin is typically unimportant to the overall plot.” – Wikipedia
I like to think of a MacGuffin, therefore, as a mere
distraction: Something put forth by the director to distract the viewer from
the driving purpose of the film; something that offers no explanation or
reasoning; something that the film could still subsist without and that’s existence
only helps develop the given story.
As my first year at University comes to a close (only a
month left of school before exams) I can’t help but believe that these upcoming
months will be yet another step into the real world and my new life as an
adult. Although I am still in treatment, I feel the healthiest that I have since
being diagnosed and can better anticipate the experience of my “adult-life” that
lies ahead. However, I can’t help but wonder how heavily my diagnosis has influenced
this future – where I’d be now if it weren’t for this MacGuffin that some higher-power (for the lack of a better word)
decided to throw into the middle of my story. How much has it really affected
the overarching purpose? How dominant has this distraction become? As Alfred
Hitchcock purposely imposed his MacGuffins
without reasoning or explanation, I can only assume that my inexplicable cancer
mutant’s similarly exist as a mere development within my story.
What I have lost as a result, and in some cases gained, are
forms of this device which will ultimately contribute to an overall end goal. Cancer is my MacGuffin. With my finish
date of January 2016, I hope that this wavering detour will finally come to a
close and that the story can move along as it once did – without interruption
or distraction.
--> Side note, my weird obsession with food continues as per usual. Recently it's justified cause for a new social networking profile on
Instagram: @postcansir.eats
Those of you who have undergone chemotherapy can
sympathize with me and this inexplicable obsession. Since force-feeding myself chemo-chemicals
for over 2 years, my body seems to have built up an undeniable craving for
natural nutrients (My body’s words, not mine). In response and respect to these
instincts, I have decided to create this yummy foodie Instagram account. If
you would like to be reminded of how yummy food is or want to muster-up some
cooking inspiration, checkout my feeble attempt at documenting various food consumptions. Follow on Instagram! @postcansir.eats
Breeding optimism
while I wait for this MacGuffin to bid adieu,
-
Serena Bonneville
