Introduction to communication homework: First Assignment

I am Sam (2001)

Introduction

Communication is a key element in interacting with people and helps to identify the different nature and attributes of the individuals. There are various forms of communication. We have verbal and non-verbal communication. No matter the form, the essential fact is that there is an exchange of information from one person to another enabling the parties to exchange ideas and share opinions and deep concerns. Communication creates a link and a connection between the people involved. In the movie, I am Sam (2001), the value of communication is clearly brought out. The paper takes a look at the key communication elements in the movie specifically considering Relational Dialectics and facial expression The observation and analysis of the two elements we can extract valuable teachings about communication in our day-to-day activities.

Discussion

I Am Sam is the convincing story of Sam Dawson (Sean Penn), a simple-minded father bringing up his little girl Lucy (Dakota Fanning) with the assistance of an uncommon gathering of companions. As Lucy turns seven and starts to mentally surpass her dad, their nearby bond is undermined when their circumstance goes under the examination of a social specialist who needs Lucy put in child care. Confronted with an apparently unwinnable case, Sam pledges to battle the lawful framework and structures an improbable union with Rita Harrison (Michelle Pfeiffer), a powerful, self-retained lawyer who at first takes his case ace bona as a test from her associates. At first glance, the two couldn't be further separated, yet as a general rule, they are unobtrusively comparative. Sam's enthusiastic nature mirrors Rita's all the more socially worthy fanatical habitual nature. Her hyper requirement for flawlessness and achievement distances her from her child and has been gradually annihilating her self-esteem. Together they battle to persuade the framework that Sam should recover his girl and, simultaneously, meld a bond that outcomes in a far-fetched relationship (FILM REVIEW; A Retarded Man Tries to Keep His Child - NYTimes.com, 2016).

Facial expression and gestures have been severally utilized in the movie to communicate and to relay some information. In one scene, we see Sam and a group of his friends taking Lucy for shopping. They shopped then when they were done and ready to pay, Sam realizes that he did not have sufficient money. He simply dips into his pockets and pulls them out. One of his friends reads the situation and notices that Sam did not have enough money. He comes to his rescue and pays for the items. We are also told that the lawyer Rita was a stone-hearted and hard-faced woman who was not reproachable. We see her soften after her interaction with Sam. His actions, gestures, and facial expression are highlighted as kind and full of goodness. We also see the facial expression of Lucy’s foster parents on realizing how to determine Sam was to spend time with his daughter. She is touched by his devotion and commitment that encourage her to help him fight for the custody of her daughter. The lesson that we learn from the movie about facial expression and gestures in communication is that they too can spark emotions. Our facial expressions brings out what we feel and other can observe the need and will be encouraged to step up. Facial expressions and gestures are a strong tool for communication.

Relational Dialectics is another element of communication that can be observed throughout the movie. Aspects of novelty, closeness, and openness are highly exposed in the movie. There are also various concepts that are pertinent in relational dialectics. They include contradiction, process, totality, and praxis (Relational Dialectics Theory, 2016). In the movie, these are all observed. One instance where the movie depicts relational dialectics is when Sam and Lucy go to the IHOP restaurant. We note that Sam tries the same thing all the time, over and over again. However, Lucy is always keen to try out new things. She would try different combinations every time. This shows her novelty and brings out the contradictions between different individuals. The other instance of relational dialectic is observed in the relationship that sprouts between Sam and Rita. When we first meet Rita, we see that she is a ruthless lawyer living a high-end life. She had never contemplated meeting with desperate people who need her help most. She is a hard-hearted individual working only for the willing and able individuals in the society. She has been described as an individual whose relationship with others including her son was never a cordial and a warm one. Her interaction with Sam changes. We see the process of transformation, and we end up witnessing two very different individuals in personality fall in an unlikely relationship. We see the internal conflicts that cause relationships to be always in a constant condition of flux. The lesson from the derived from the movie is that we must always embrace the diversity and the difference that all the individuals possess. We can always learn one or two things from the other person regardless of the circumstances in life.

Conclusion

The two elements of communication mentioned above, Relational Dialectics and Facial Expressions and Gestures are essential and crucial elements of communication and can easily help in enhancing the relationship between different individuals. The movie has apparently brought the two aspects in the entire film. Throughout the movie, the director has made commendable efforts to bring out the value of communication and to reinforce in the viewer’s mind the fact that communication is an important tool that we all must utilize to foster and enhance our relationships.

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