The Godfather (1972) — How To Master “The Point of No Return”
The Point of No Return is the part of a story where the protagonist is faced with a decision that will both define his emotional journey and mark the beginning of his self-actualization.
It’s the moment where the question of whether or not a character is willing to do something, or even capable, stops being a question.
It’s Ripley returning to LV-426 in Aliens. Shaun getting off the couch and venturing out into a “zed word” apocalypse to save his ex, and his mum, in Shaun of the Dead. Rocky taking the offer to fight World Heavyweight Champion Apollo Creed in Rocky.
The character does the unthinkable, takes what ostensibly is a 180-degree turn from where they started, and proves they had it in them all along.
As a gangster movie, crime saga, family drama, Mafia-themed Shakespearean tragedy, and exploration of masculinity, The Godfather excels. As a textbook of everything you could want to know about making a film, telling a story visually, crafting characters, The Godfather is about the best there is.
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