Screenplay 4

Most successful movies have five distinct story turning points and three acts. We will use "The Godfather," one of the major motion pictures of our time, as our template to illustrate these points. "The Godfather" is unusually structured in that there are two protagonists. The father, Vito Corleone, creates the initial problem by refusing to join the rest of the Mafia families in the drug business, and it is his son Michael who completes the journey by resolving the conflict.

The main character is presented with a dilemma that forces an action and is at the heart of the conflict. Sollozzo offers Don Corleone a piece of his drug business in return for protection. The Don rejects the deal.

This is when the entire movie is turned on its head. The unexpected happens: Don Corleone is shot.

The character is locked into his journey and can never go back. Michael avenges his father by shooting Sollozzo and McCluskey.

This is the moment where the main character takes action to resolve his problem. Michael consents to become godfather to his nephew and resolve his issues with the other five families.

Our hero faces his enemies and the conflict is resolved. Michael has his rivals murdered while he takes vows to become godfather to his nephew.

All loose ends are tied up. The audience is given a moment to absorb the impact of the climax and reflect on what they've just experienced. Michael becomes the Godfather.