A Movie Analysis of: If I Had Wings The movie I chose tells about a blind high school student who is determined to run with his cross county track team despite physical limitations. In this movie, there are several aspects of interpersonal communication that can be analyzed. First off, I want to look at both verbal and nonverbal communication between the handicap and non-handicap. Secondly, this movie gives an opportunity to look at complicated relationships and how messages can be conflicting. Thirdly, I also want to contrast the difference between communication in intimate relations verses non-intimate relationships. Alex is the main character in this movie. He has been blind since he was two years old, but he loves
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According to Verderber and Verderber in their textbook, Inter-Act Interpersonal Communication Concepts, Skills, and Contact, nonverbal message are a primary part of effective communication. This movie demonstrated the struggle between individuals when there is a lack of nonverbal communication. Alex wasn’t able to read facial expressions, body language, eye contact, or gestures due to his inability to see. Brad was unfamiliar with the nonverbal language that Alex used because it was different from his own. As they met for the first time, Alex tells Brad that he is blind not deaf so he doesn’t have to yell. Brad is anxious about Alex’s disability and it is a distraction in their interaction. I believe this example shows the importance of nonverbal communication, and the difficulties that might arise from a lack of nonverbal skills. The second factor between these two young men was their differing social classes and perhaps even a few cultural differences as well. Brad assess and interprets his own social status as well as Alex’s when he approaches the house before he ever even meets Alex. Brad is from the trailer park, while Alex lives in an upper class subdivision. Brad is from a one-parent home, and his Hispanic heritage increases his risk for gang involvement. Both Alex and Brad begin with distorted views of each other and stereotypical perceptions. Their perceptions make communication between two strained at
According to Verderber and Verderber in their textbook, Inter-Act Interpersonal Communication Concepts, Skills, and Contact, nonverbal message are a primary part of effective communication. This movie demonstrated the struggle between individuals when there is a lack of nonverbal communication. Alex wasn’t able to read facial expressions, body language, eye contact, or gestures due to his inability to see. Brad was unfamiliar with the nonverbal language that Alex used because it was different from his own. As they met for the first time, Alex tells Brad that he is blind not deaf so he doesn’t have to yell. Brad is anxious about Alex’s disability and it is a distraction in their interaction. I believe this example shows the importance of nonverbal communication, and the difficulties that might arise from a lack of nonverbal skills. The second factor between these two young men was their differing social classes and perhaps even a few cultural differences as well. Brad assess and interprets his own social status as well as Alex’s when he approaches the house before he ever even meets Alex. Brad is from the trailer park, while Alex lives in an upper class subdivision. Brad is from a one-parent home, and his Hispanic heritage increases his risk for gang involvement. Both Alex and Brad begin with distorted views of each other and stereotypical perceptions. Their perceptions make communication between two strained at