Psychology technique · used in 1 film

Burnout as Magic Loss

Making a character lose their special power just when they feel stuck or worn down. Getting the power back means finding a new reason to use it.

Examples

Where you can see it

  1. Kiki's Delivery Service (1989) poster

    Kiki's Delivery Service

    Hayao Miyazaki · 1989

    Kiki loses her ability to fly and to understand Jiji. The painter Ursula says it sounds like artist's block and suggests she find a new purpose. It makes a big feeling visible without anyone having to name it.

    Where to see it: Losing her powers: Kiki can no longer fly or understand Jiji, and Ursula advises her to look for a new purpose.

Questions

Quick answers

What is burnout as magic loss in film?
Making a character lose their special power just when they feel stuck or worn down. Getting the power back means finding a new reason to use it.
Which films use burnout as magic loss?
Kiki's Delivery Service (1989).
What kind of technique is burnout as magic loss?
It is a psychology technique. Related psychology techniques include Psychological Doubling, Unreliable Reality, Body Horror.

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