Interpersonal Communication Relationship Analysis of a Movie

RELATIONSHIP ANALYSIS
It is important at this point in the semester that we take all of the concepts we have
learned through readings and discussions and apply them collectively to a
relationship. Because self-disclosure is difficult for some and writing about our own
relationships may indeed be overly biased, I want you to analyze a central relationship in a
film. This can be any film that focuses directly on an interpersonal relationship between two
central characters (dyads only please.) Just to give a few examples of movies that work for this
assignment include: When Harry Met Sally, As Good As It Gets, Hope Floats, Step Mom, etc.
These movies are based around two central characters. You may find one that interests you.
Requirements: This analysis paper must be in essay format. This means there should be an
introductory paragraph, paragraphs within the paper that answer the questions below and a
concluding paragraph. The paper should be 4-6 typed pages in length (double-spaced…no
larger than 12 pt font.) It should also be free of grammatical errors. Please spell check and
grammar check before submitting it.
Please answer the following in the paper:
Section 1
Provide a brief overview of the story contained in the movie. Assume that the instructor has
never seen the movie being discussed. Within this section, highlight 8 to 12 of the interpersonal
communication patterns/behaviors that take place between the central characters you are
analyzing (listening, types of messages, impact of gender, verbal and nonverbal communication
skills, etc.) Please bold any concepts/definitions that you use from the textbook.
Section 2
Choose four applicable textbook concepts that you can use to critique/analyze this relationship.
1) Be sure to first clearly identify the concept you want to use in the paper and provide a
definition from the book or an explanation of the concept. Please bold any concepts/definitions that you use from the textbook.
2) Then analyze the relationship with this concept and describe how this concept was illustrated
in the movie. In other words, how did this concept impact their relationship? You may tell
what happened in this part of the movie and can even provide examples of what the characters
said to each other. Also, you may want to discuss what they could have done to improve their
communication, or discuss why their communication was good. You may choose the concepts
from the textbook so that they properly fit the movie you have chosen. These are just a few
examples. There are many you can use. (conflict, power dynamics, types of relationships,
stages of relational development, stages of relationship ending, interpersonal attraction,
relationship challenges, etc.)
Section 3
Describe what lessons about interpersonal communication that you can take from this movie.