Communication class - Movie Review Example

Relationship development is showcased immediately from the beginning of the film “Sam & Janet.” Sam has just finalized his divorce and spends time drinking with his friends, destroying his wedding gifts and dating random women all in an attempt to overcome the pain he is feeling. Perhaps the best sign of relationship development is the scene in which Sam listens to woman after woman discussing their thoughts on dating, past relationships and physical appearance over dinner at the same restaurant.

His relationship with Janet begins subtly at the gym. This is very similar to the research conducted in which relationships develop when two individuals have similar interests or see each other on a regular basis. Clearly, the film illustrates that these two characters had much in common listening to the same music band, going to the same gym and frequenting the same bar. These similarities make building a relationship much easier as the relationship already has building blocks from which it can grow.

However, there are several discrepancies in the film for relationship building as shown in the research. The largest discrepancy in the film for relationship development is the same ultimate plot conflict in which Janet was strategically placed in each environment she happened to meet up with Sam. With this happenstance, Sam grew the confidence to begin speaking with Janet repeatedly and eventually ask her on a date, which would last for over one year. However, this type of confidence is rarely found and conflicts with research for divorcees who typically find it difficult to make the first move.

Relationship building does occur and is likely when individuals have similar interests, but Sam was not in a position to approach Janet due to his recent divorce. He was only dating women to try to deal with the pain and loneliness he was experiencing, but he legitimately had strong feelings for her from the first moment in the gymnasium. Nevertheless, the two individuals did not have that much in common without Janet being instructed to frequent the same places Sam visited. This is not normal or typical relationship building strategy and the fact that the two individuals ended up being in a relationship was much more of a fluke than actual relationship building philosophy or concepts.

References Walker, R. (Writer). (2002). Sam & Janet [Web]. Available from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XJp4GXzkeQ&feature=watch-now-button&wide=1