Narrative Analysis of the Communication Dynamics in As Good As It Gets
Abstract: Background The superior/subordinate relationship is exemplified through narrative analysis of the movie As Good As It Gets. Melvin Udall is aggressive in his communication style with Carol Connelly and Simon Bishop in the movie. He breaks the cultural norms of communication by responding both verbally and non-verbally in a confrontational manner. Study of his communication style through narrative analysis assists in understanding the character and the messages he is sending.
Results Qualitative use of the Narrative Analysis assists in analyzing the communication both sent and receive by Melvin Udall. Repeatedly, Melvin engages in conversation with the other characters in a manner that puts into practice the Expectancy Violations Theory. Melvin’s ability to intimidate people and ingratiate them to himself sets up a superior/subordinate relationship in his interpersonal relationships with Carol and Simon. Carol and Simon as receivers’ of the information Melvin is communicating as the sender is perceived as negative, rude, and insensitive. The manner in which he speaks to the characters causes shock and dismay. Conclusions Careful observation of the narrative analysis of communication in the movie As Good As It Gets proves that messages sent in interpersonal communication are continuously internalized and perceived accurately or inaccurately. Aggressive styles of communication can set a superior/subordinate relationship between individuals.
The Essay on To Be Human Means to Have Relationships – Good or Bad
This expository essay is designed to be read by any human being that has some sort of relationship with someone or a group of people. It explores the idea of being human means to have good or bad relationships in the context of Romance and Relationships. This piece is designed to explore and explain and after reading it, the audience should understand that humans are made and born to have ...
Aggressive is the communication style that governs Melvin Udall’s life in As Good As It Gets. He sends messages, both verbally and non-verbally, that he is rude, intolerant, and insensitive in his personal interactions with other people. In the movie, Melvin is a successful romance novelist. He suffers from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, which causes him to live a highly regimented life. Some of his rituals are: stepping over cracks in the sidewalk, using a bar of soap once then throwing it away, taking plastic silverware to restaurants, and checking his locks several times. The majority of his communication is with his neighbor Simon Bishop who he treats with disrespect and disdain whenever he converses with him. Melvin makes sarcastic remarks to Simon about being a homosexual. Also, his facial expressions convey his disdain for Simon by sneering at him or making jokes at his expense. Simon is afraid to challenge Melvin when he throws his dog down a trash shoot. This sets up a superior/subordinate relationship between Melvin and Simon. Melvin’s use of the Expectancy Violations Theory has caused him to gain the upper hand with Simon. He says things to Simon that most people in society would deem impolite and inappropriate. His violation of cultural norms in communication intimidates Simon into the role of the passive subordinate in the beginning of the film.
In addition, Melvin’s interactions with Carol Connelly, the waitress at his preferred restaurant, sets up a similar superior/subordinate relationship. Melvin is greatly disliked by the owner and wait staff of the restaurant because of his aggressive communication style with everyone. He is highly insulting to customers and the waitresses. Carol is the only waitress brave enough to deal with Melvin. Her son is very ill with an asthmatic condition, which causes her to miss a lot of work. Melvin offers to pay for her medical bills. His reasoning for doing so is so she’ll come back to work to wait on him. This sets up a superior/subordinate relationship between Carol and Melvin since she feels ingratiated to him for helping her son. The situation perpetuates Melvin saying some things to Carol about her personal appearance that she construes as insulting.
The Essay on Concepts Of Nonverbal Communication, Using The Movie "Two Can Play That Game"
Nonverbal communication can be defined as a means of communication without using words. There are various concepts and forms that depict how nonverbal communication takes place. Examples of these forms are such as facial expressions, gestures and posture, movement, distance, clothing and appearance, face and eyes, touch, physical attractiveness and finally the voice. Communication can be ...
Later in the movie Simon is robbed and beat up by a male model he has been working with and the model’s two friends. Simon incurs over sixty thousand dollars in medical bills and is broke from the situation. Melvin is prodded into taking Simon in after his accident by Simon’s art dealer. During this time, Simon needs to take a trip to Maryland to see his parents to ask for money. Melvin is beginning to ease up on the insults and some of the aggressive behavior towards Simon and Carol. He is beginning to like Carol, but still continues to make comments that still involve the Expectancy Violations Theory. At this point, he as the sender is trying to communicate both verbally and non-verbally with Carol that he likes her. But, since he has adopted an aggressive communication style with her in the past, he still seems to be sending a negative message to her. There is a resolution at the end of the movie when he begins to communicate more effectively with both Carol and Simon. He begins to be less aggressive and adopts a bit more of a passive approach to his interpersonal communication with both characters.
Throughout As Good As It Gets, Melvin continually looks for feedback from the receivers’ of his communication. Some of the things he says in an aggressive manner to get a rise out of people. Other times, he is trying to convey his affection for Carol, but is unsuccessful due to his aggressive approach. Through analyzing the communication in the movie, it would seem that through continual negative feedback Melvin continues to send the “wrong messages. Sometimes the messages he sends are inteneded to be aggressive other times he is trying to be a bit more passive in his approach with Carol. But, since he has established a negative communication style with her his messages are misconstrued.
The Business plan on Optus Mobile Communication
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In the 1990s, the Australian telecommunications industry has undertaken one of the most dramatic changes in its history. For the very first time, Australians are no longer forced to contend with Telstra s monopoly in telecommunication services. With the deregulation of the industry in 1992 and again in 1997, the Australian Government has allowed new and experienced international ...
Furthermore, the movie gives an informal view of the intercultural communication of a person who uses aggressive communication to set up a superior/subordinate relationship with those whom he communicates. Also, the movie proves that communication styles are adaptable and can change over time or by the influence of other people. Narrative Analysis with a qualitative approach assists in these conclusions.
ReferenceAndrus, Mark (Writer) and Brooks, James L. (Director).
(1997) As Good As It Gets. [Film]. United States:
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