Characters and Major Plot of the Movie
The movie The Proposal can be used to analyze various facets of interpersonal interaction. Interpersonal communication is the verbal and nonverbal transfer of information between individuals who develop connections, share interpretations, and pursue social objectives. The main characters in the film The Proposal are Margaret Tate, a strong-willed directorial editor-in-chief of a New York publication corporation, and Andrew Paxton, her associate.
Margret, the protagonist, finds out that she might be deported from the United States after her request for a visa extension is rejected. She persuades Andrew to serve as her fiancé for the time being since she is committed to maintaining her job as the publisher’s editor-in-chief.
Analysis of Communication and Application of Communication Principles
Power Dynamics
The movie’s three primary interpersonal communication theories are the concept of social exchange, power dynamics, and social penetration. Power dynamics was among the concepts seen in the movie. One or both parties may respond ineffectively to conflict whenever one individual influences the other (Abdul Aziz et al. 91). When Margaret shows her authority by dismissing Bob, the company’s editor, the power dynamic can be seen. She fired him because he did not finish a task she had constantly urged him to accomplish. After being fired by Margaret, Bob responded by walking out of his office while ranting and criticizing Margaret alongside the rest of the staff (The Proposal 2009 BluRay 06:48).
Possibly Margaret’s cold and impersonal way of communication set off Bob’s angry behavior, or he may have been embarrassed by Margaret’s lack of compassion after she released him. Margaret took advantage of the circumstance to flaunt her authority and pride before her staff. It is simple to understand how someone in a position of influence could allow that influence to go to their head and disregard who they indeed are and how they should respond. When people utilize their influence effectively, they can develop favorable working conditions, excellent goods and services, and chances for others.
The Social Penetration Theory
The social penetration theory is another concept observed in the movie, and it discusses how relationships progress from surface-level closeness to deeper levels of intimacy. Social penetration is when individuals disclose personal information through conversation to get at the essence (Fox and Gambino 296). Self-disclosure is a unique technique for executing social penetration. It is the intentional act of sharing details about oneself.
When Margaret and Andrew are made to share a bedroom, they chit-chat and get to know one another. Margaret reveals some intimate truths about herself that Andrew likely was unaware of. She tells him that the tattoo on her arm memorializes her parents, who passed away shortly after turning sixteen.
Andrew thoughtfully considered what Margaret had just told him, possibly understanding that he cared more about her than he had previously assumed. They finish their night laughing, and he makes things cheerful by singing “It Takes Two” by Margaret’s favorite artist. They could connect through open communication, which allowed their partnership to progress from platonic to intimate. Communication should successfully establish a basis for informational interchange for connections to grow.
The Social Exchange Theory
The theory of social exchange is another concept from the movie. The social exchange theory explains the practice of weighing a relationship’s benefits and downsides (Chernyak-Hai and Rabenu 458). This idea is made clear in the film when Margaret learns that her visa request has been declined and she will be expelled. Margaret responded by considering getting married to her assistant, Andrew (The proposal 2009 BluRay 11:27). They were informed that if it turned out that their partnership was false, there would be severe repercussions.
However, they still took the chance and continued with the scam. For them, the benefit of their arrangement surpassed the price it entailed. Costs are those parts of a connection that anger or irritate someone, stress one out, or harm one’s self-image or way of life. Rewards are those facets of a relationship that individuals feel great about. Both Margaret and Andrew attempt to advance as individuals and professionals, which is evident in social exchange.
Relating the Movie’s Aspects to Personal Communication
The social exchange theory and the concept of power dynamics are two elements from the film that connect to my communication. When the benefits outweigh the drawbacks of a connection, I choose to stay in it rather than end it. I consistently evaluate relationships based on my aspirations, similar past connections, and potential substitutes. A comparison determines when I am gaining an adequate net reward. The concept of power dynamics occurs mainly when speaking with my older brother. Because of our age differences, he always replies ineffectively when a dispute arises.
Interpersonal contact is essential for the growth of one’s personal and professional life. By analyzing these three theories, power dynamics, social penetration, and the concept of social exchange, one can grow personally and professionally. Interpersonal contact makes it possible to interact with different people more successfully. It is said that communication is the cornerstone of all interpersonal relationships. Without interpersonal interaction, issues can arise because it is crucial for minimizing misconceptions and ultimately bolstering individual relationships.
Works Cited
Abdul Aziz, Rozilah Abdul, et al. “The Influence of Leader Power on Interpersonal Conflict in the Workplace.” Journal of International Business, Economics and Entrepreneurship, vol. 6, no. 1, 2021, pp. 87–93. Web.
Chernyak-Hai, Lily, and Edna Rabenu. “The New Era Workplace Relationships: Is Social Exchange Theory Still Relevant?” Industrial and Organizational Psychology, vol. 11, no. 3, 2018, pp. 456–481. Web.
Fox, Jesse, and Andrew Gambino. “Relationship Development with Humanoid Social Robots: Applying Interpersonal Theories to Human–Robot Interaction.” Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, vol. 24, no. 5, 2021, pp. 294–299. Web.
“The Proposal 2009 BluRay.” Bilibili. 2021. Web.