The Turning Point (1977 film)

The Turning Point (1977 film)
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Name	The Turning Point
Director	Herbert Ross
Producer	Herbert Ross, Arthur Laurents
Writer	Arthur Laurents
Starring	Anne Bancroft, Shirley MacLaine, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Leslie Browne, Tom Skerritt
Music	John Lanchbery
Cinematography	Robert Surtees
Editing	William H. Reynolds
Studio	20th Century Fox
Distributor	20th Century Fox
Released	1977, 11, 14
Runtime	119 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$5–6 million
Gross	$33.6 million

The Turning Point (1977 film) is an American drama film directed by Herbert Ross and written by Arthur Laurents. The story explores the intense rivalry and contrasting life choices of two women whose friendship is rooted in the world of professional ballet. Featuring acclaimed performances from its cast and celebrated dance sequences, the film was a major critical and commercial success, receiving eleven Academy Award nominations.

Plot

The narrative centers on former ballet dancer Deedee Rodgers, who abandoned her promising career with a prestigious company to raise a family in Oklahoma City. Her life is contrasted with that of her former friend and rival, Emma Jacklin, who became a celebrated prima ballerina with the American Ballet Theatre. When Deedee's talented teenage daughter, Emilia, is invited to join the company in New York City, old wounds are reopened. The film delves into themes of regret, ambition, and sacrifice as both women confront the paths not taken, set against the backdrop of the demanding world of professional dance, including rehearsals for productions like *The Sleeping Beauty*.

Cast

The film stars Anne Bancroft as the accomplished but lonely prima ballerina Emma Jacklin. Shirley MacLaine portrays Deedee Rodgers, a woman grappling with midlife regrets. Mikhail Baryshnikov, in his major American film debut, plays the charismatic danseur Yuri Kopeikine, who becomes romantically involved with Deedee's daughter. Leslie Browne, a real-life dancer with the American Ballet Theatre, plays Emilia Rodgers, earning an Academy Award nomination for her performance. The supporting cast includes Tom Skerritt as Deedee's husband, Martha Scott as the company's grande dame Adelaide, and dancers such as Alexandra Danilova and Antony Tudor appearing as themselves.

Production

The project was developed by writer Arthur Laurents and director Herbert Ross, both of whom had extensive backgrounds in theater and dance. Ross, a former choreographer, insisted on authenticity, filming extensively at the American Ballet Theatre and utilizing its company members. Cinematographer Robert Surtees was tasked with capturing the fluidity of dance on film, a significant technical challenge. The score was arranged by John Lanchbery, using music from composers like Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Sergei Prokofiev. Key sequences were choreographed by notable figures including Alonso and Geoffrey Holder.

Reception

Upon its release, the film was met with widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its performances and its unprecedented insider's view of the ballet world. Reviewers in publications like The New York Times and *Variety* praised its emotional depth and technical execution. It was a substantial box office hit, grossing over $33 million in North America against a modest budget. The film's success demonstrated a significant public appetite for sophisticated adult dramas and is credited with increasing mainstream interest in ballet during the late 1970s.

Accolades

*The Turning Point* achieved a notable distinction at the 50th Academy Awards, receiving eleven nominations—including for Best Picture, Best Director for Herbert Ross, and Best Actress nominations for both Anne Bancroft and Shirley MacLaine. It also earned nominations for Best Supporting Actor (Mikhail Baryshnikov), Best Supporting Actress (Leslie Browne), and Best Original Screenplay. However, it famously won no awards, a record it shares with *The Color Purple*.

Legacy

The film is regarded as a landmark in depicting the arts on screen, paving the way for later dance-focused films like *Fame* and *Center Stage*. It is frequently studied for its nuanced portrayal of female ambition and friendship. The film's high-profile failure to win any of its eleven Oscar nominations remains a point of discussion in Academy Awards history. Furthermore, it served as a major career springboard for Mikhail Baryshnikov, cementing his status as an international celebrity and introducing classical ballet to a wider American audience.

Category:1977 films Category:American drama films