WRITER’S EDGE: Point of No Return
The point of no return represents the precise spot in a screenplay where the major character takes a new and unplanned direction. Click here to learn more.
Steve Kaire is a Screenwriter/Pitchman who’s sold 8 projects to the major studios without representation. Follow Steve on Twitter @SteveKaire.
The point of no return represents the precise spot in a screenplay where the major character takes a new and unplanned direction. He or she makes a decision or takes an action that is irrevocable. It forever alters his situation and there's no turning back from it.In Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather, the point of no return is obvious and clear. Michael Corleone has been up to that point a war hero and considered to be a civilian in his mob family. He prides himself on telling his bride-to-be that he's not part of the family business. But after a failed attempt on his father's life, he makes the crucial decision to kill the mobster who tried to kill his father along with the police captain who is protecting him.
Once Michael makes that decision and successfully carries it out, he eventually becomes the head of the Corleone family crime empire. His point of no return also lets the audience know that he is capable of committing murder and do whatever else is necessary for him to achieve his goals.
Every screenplay needs this plot point that sets the hero off on an unpredictable path to try and achieve his goal.
- More articles by Steve Kaire
- 5 Reasons Screenplay Story Structure is Important
- X-Ray Specs: Act II – Arguing for a Narrative Question with a Positive Purpose
- Battle of the Paradigms: Screenplay Structure – Whose to Choose
The Essential Elements of Screenplay Structure:
Get Your Story Straight
How to keep your story moving in Act II
The Critical Thing Act III Must Come Down to
Importance of Three Act structure and Main Purpose of Each Act
STEVE KAIRE is a Screenwriter/Pitchman who’s sold 8 projects to the major studios without representation. The last project he sold, he’s Co-Producing for Walden Media. A screenwriter for over 30 years, he holds a Masters in Dramatic Writing and has taught writing classes at the American Film Institute. Steve was featured on the Tonight Show’s, “Pitching to America” and was voted a Star Speaker at Screenwriters Expo three years in a row. His top rated CD, High Concept - How to Create, Pitch & Sell to Hollywood is a best seller.
