14 Comments

So much insight and clarity in these few paragraphs. Marvelous. My understanding of this type of transition just expanded...as did my heart by your generosity in sharing this knowledge!

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And the character building that’s led to this has done just that—has led to this, delivering Michael to this response to this situation. The inevitable response given who he is. Plot as a function of character, in the best way

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Whoa. It's been decades since I saw the Godfather, and I held my breath in watching these clips. Your analysis was a class in itself. Oh to be one of your students! Like you, I will try to remember to reflect "am I in the hospital corridor?" at pivotal life moments.

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SUCH a great scene—and what a terrific analysis!

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I feel like I’m still in class! This was transformative to read, thank you

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You make me want to be a writer, a director....anything where I can put these amazing tools to use. Today I am going to take the afternoon off and rewatch The Godfather for the umpteenth time. Thanks, Al. Always wonderful to read your remarkable teaching.

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Such a perfect scene. Rewatched the movie a couple months ago. Forgot how great it was! Then rewatched number two, as one would. Oh well! Everything can’t be great!

Your insights are great, though! A real gift! 💝

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This is an amazing essay! so much to think about. and thank you for reminding me of Al Pacino's dreamy face

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I love this. I’ve always loved this scene but now I understand why.

My favorite thing to do on a Sunday morning: wake up early, read Alice’s (always smart and insightful and useful) essay, then fall back asleep for a bit, thinking about what I’ve learned and how to apply it to my own work. Simply the best.

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This is brilliant! I love that you use Michael’s transformation!! BRILLIANT.

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Incredible! I love how you describe the conditions of transformation: aloneness, with either darkness or blinding light. I feel that by reading your column, I'm finally getting that MFA, bit by bit. :-)

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Oh this is wonderful, Alice. And watching Pacino here, I can almost hear him, "I am the Captain now".

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Wow! Thank you for this wisdom!

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Love this, absolutely brilliant!

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