Movie Analysis Paper: The Proposal You Are To View The Movie ✓ Solved

Movie Analysis Paper The Proposal You are to view the movie

You are to view the movie The Proposal (2009) and analyze the communication concepts portrayed in it. You will connect interpersonal communication theories discussed during the course, specifically from Chapters 7-10. After viewing, select five major variables related to interpersonal communication, and for each variable, discuss two specific concepts or themes that are demonstrated in the movie. These variables include Nonverbal Communication Codes, Conflict Management Styles, Elements of Attraction, Relational Escalation/De-escalation, and Types of Deception.

Your paper should be 4-6 pages long, formally structured, and clearly organized. Begin with an introduction that provides a brief summary of the plot—avoid copying reviews—and specify which characters you will analyze. Include a clear thesis statement that outlines the five variables you will examine and how they relate to the movie.

In the body, dedicate a section to each variable, first defining and explaining the variable with proper citations from your textbook or scholarly sources. For each variable, then apply it to the movie by citing specific scenes or dialogues that exemplify the two concepts chosen for that variable. Assume the reader has no prior knowledge of the film or course material; therefore, define and explain all terms thoroughly.

In the conclusion, summarize the five variables discussed, restate their relevance to the characters and plot, and offer insights into human nature or character behaviors as reflected through these interpersonal concepts.

Your paper must be typed, double-spaced, using 12-point font, with 1-inch margins. Proper citation of sources in APA style is required. Include a references page listing all sources used.

Ensure the paper is well-written, free of grammatical and spelling errors, and maintains a formal, academic tone throughout. Late submissions are not permitted; early drafts may be submitted for feedback.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The film The Proposal (2009), directed by Anne Fletcher, provides a rich portrayal of interpersonal communication dynamics, set against the backdrop of a tumultuous relationship between Margaret Tate, a high-powered book editor, and her assistant Andrew Paxton. The storyline revolves around Margaret’s impending deportation and her subsequent scheme to marry Andrew to avoid deportation, which sparks various communication exchanges that highlight key interpersonal concepts. This analysis explores five variables—Nonverbal Communication Codes, Conflict Management Styles, Elements of Attraction, Relational Escalation/De-escalation, and Types of Deception—and illustrates how these are depicted through specific scenes and character interactions, revealing underlying human behaviors and social motives.

Nonverbal Communication Codes

Nonverbal communication encompasses various forms of cues that complement or substitute spoken language, playing a crucial role in conveying emotions and intentions. Two significant concepts are facial expressions and territoriality. Facial expressions serve as immediate signals of a person's emotional state. For instance, Margaret’s frequent stern frowns and smirks communicate her frustration and sarcasm, especially in scenes where she confronts her subordinate. Territoriality manifests in personal space boundaries, evident when Margaret initially keeps Andrew at a distance during their cold interactions in the office, highlighting a lack of trust and emotional distance (Burgoon, 2016).

Conflict Management Styles

The way individuals handle disagreements significantly impacts relationship development. Two prominent styles are avoidance and collaboration. Margaret often employs avoidance, dismissing conflicts or postponing confrontation, such as when she sidesteps discussions about her true motives. Conversely, moments where Margaret and Andrew work together to overcome external pressures exemplify collaboration—mutually sharing ideas to resolve conflicts, especially during the trip to Alaska. These dynamic styles demonstrate the characters' evolving mechanisms for managing disputes (Thomas & Kilmann, 1974).

Elements of Attraction

Attraction in interpersonal communication involves factors such as proximity and similarity. Proximity is demonstrated by Margaret and Andrew’s forced cohabitation in Alaska, which facilitates interaction and mutual influence. Similarities grow as the characters discover common values and shared experiences, like their love for nature. These elements foster emotional bonds, paving the way for romantic development beyond initial superficial interactions (Festinger, Schachter, & Back, 1950).

Relational Escalation/De-escalation

This variable examines how relationships intensify or diminish over time. The stages observed include exploration and intensification, as Margaret and Andrew move from mutual indifference to genuine affection during their trip. Scenes depicting shared vulnerability, such as their candid conversations around the campfire, illustrate relational escalation. Conversely, moments of disagreement or distance—such as Margaret’s fear of exposure—represent de-escalation, emphasizing the fragile nature of emotional intimacy (Altman & Taylor, 1973).

Types of Deception

Deception involves deliberate misrepresentation. In the film, Margaret initially deceives Andrew about her intent to marry him by pretending it is solely for her career benefit, which constitutes deception by omission and bald-faced lies. Her deception curves lead to underlying mistrust, but ultimately, honesty emerges as the characters’ interactions deepen, reflecting the complex role of deception in relationship dynamics (DePaulo & Kashy, 1998).

Conclusion

Through the depiction of these five variables, The Proposal exemplifies core interpersonal communication processes such as nonverbal cues, conflict management, attraction, relational change, and deception. The characters’ interactions reveal innate human tendencies toward connection, self-protection, and adaptation. Their evolving relationship exemplifies the delicate balance between honesty and deception, conflict and cooperation, proximity and distance, illustrating fundamental aspects of human communication and relational development.

References

• Burgoon, J. K. (2016). Nonverbal communication. Routledge.
• DePaulo, B. M., & Kashy, D. A. (1998). Everyday lies in close and casual relationships. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 74(1), 86-97.
• Festinger, L., Schachter, S., & Back, K. (1950). Social pressures in informal groups: A study of human factors in housing. Stanford University Press.
• Thomas, K. W., & Kilmann, R. H. (1974). Thomas-Kilmann conflict mode instrument. Xicom.
• Altman, I., & Taylor, D. A. (1973). Social penetration: The development of interpersonal relationships. Holt, Rinehart & Winston.