Film Studies: “I am Sam”
FILM 1051 - Introduction to Film and Media Studies
University of Cincinnati
December 12, 2023
“I am Sam” is a movie about a single father whose developmental
disabilities make it hard for him to raise a 7-year old daughter. The
movie was released in 2001, and it garnered a lot of acclaim for its
portrayal of the developmentally challenged members of the society.
“I am Sam” is a movie that focuses a lot on achieving effective
communication between its characters, mostly because of the
fundamental differences between them. In the movie, different
characters rely on different elements to communicate with each other.
This paper explores relationships and non-verbal communication as
the key elements of communication in “I am Sam.”
Relationships are an important element of communication, and they
mostly rely on the context of communication being analyzed. In “I am
Sam,” the main character has three important relationships. The first
and most important relationship is with his daughter while his other
relevant relationships are with his group of friends and with Rita, his
lawyer. Relationships are governed by several aspects and theories.
Aspects that affect communication include physical milieu, situational
milieu, character roles, and most importantly, developmental progress.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
On the other hand, the theories of attraction, exchange, relational
dialectics, and relationship rules define relationships. The relationship
between Sam and his daughter can be examined using one of the very
first scenes in the movie. In this scene, Sam is meeting his newborn
daughter for the first time. Sam hears her daughter cry for the first
time, names her, and holds her in his arms. The nurse who is
delivering the baby also notes that Lucy (Sam’s daughter) has been
waiting for a long time to see her father.
Another scene that reveals elements of relationships is the scene
where Sam is talking to his neighbor Annie. Their conversation begins
with Annie rebuking Sam for mistreating the baby. In this scene, Sam
tells Annie to come over to his house and help, but Annie replies,
reminding Sam that she “cannot do that” (Nelson, 2001). This
conversation between Annie and Sam also reveals that Lucy was
conceived through a one-night-stand, and Lucy’s mother had informed
Sam that she would not be an active parent to Lucy.
The life cycle of relationships has three stages; the beginning of the
relationship, its maintenance, and its ending. The scene where Sam
meets the newborn Lucy is the beginning of their relationships life
cycle. The events that happen to their relationship afterward have a
bearing to this beginning. Another visible element of communication
in this scene is the exchange theory. When Sam is naming his
daughter, he uses some of the greatest events of events in history as
well as some of the greatest people as guides. This implies that Sam
considers the arrival of his daughter a significant event in his life and
a reward to him. Exchange theory dictates that relationships are about
costs and rewards (Sole, 2011). The relationship between Sam and
Annie has the cost of Annie being agoraphobic and the rewards of
Sam, knowing that he can rely on her for help.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sam and Lucy’s mother
had the cost of Lucy’s mother being unreliable, but it gifted Sam with
a daughter. Moreover, the scene reveals that the stage of relational
development between Sam and Annie is advanced. For instance, Sam
is not bothered by Annie’s accusatory tone, and Annie expects Sam to
be fully aware of her Agoraphobia.
Sam’s disability takes from him several aspects of intelligent
communication. However, the elements of non-verbal communication
are still visible in “I am Sam.” Non-verbal communication refers to
communication that does not involve words. Non-verbal
communication takes the form of eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, artifacts, and territory. In the court scene where Sam is being
interrogated by Turner, the prosecuting lawyer, Sam uses his facial
expressions to indicate that he is uncomfortable with Turner’s
accusations.
On the other hand, Lucy’s facial expressions show that she realizes
that Sam is distressed by Turner’s line of questioning. Sam is also
struggling to form his own words. When Sam is unable to express
himself using words, he resorts to crying to pass on his message.
Another scene that expresses non-verbal communication is the one in
the principal’s office. In this scene, Lucy’s teacher and the principal
are discussing Lucy’s artwork. The artwork shows the picture of a
‘small man and a big little girl’ (Nelson, 2001). Mrs. Wright, Lucy’s
teacher, is arguing that the painting represents what Lucy must be
feeling about his father’s intellectual development.
In the first scene, the moviemakers want to indicate that Sam’s
disability does not take away his ability to communicate. Although
Sam is not able to formulate responses to the questions Turner is
asking him; his facial expressions indicate that he understands them.
However, Turner takes advantage of his slow nature and is even able
to make him cry. On the other hand, Lucy’s artifact is used as a non-
verbal tool of communication. Nevertheless, Mrs. Wright has to use
backing-evidence to prove her point, and she refers to Lucy’s
behaviors in the classroom.
As a developmentally challenged individual, Sam faces many
communication deficiencies. However, most of the people who
interact with Sam are aware of his condition, and they make-up for his
shortcomings through effective communication. Nevertheless, Sam
takes the time to listen and shows compassion and empathy. I think all
of us can learn very valuable lessons from Sam about communication
and the appreciation of what we have.
References
Nelson, J (Director). (2001).<I am Sam[DVD]. Hollywood, CA: The
Bedford Falls Company.
Sole, K. (2011).<Making connections: Understanding interpersonal
communications. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education.
