A Walk to Remember: the Movie

A Walk to Remember

The movie, A Walk to Remember, is an excellent example of the development of an interpersonal relationship. Jamie (played by Mandy Moore) is quiet and religious. Landon (played by Shane West) is outgoing and free-spirited. They moved in different social circles. Though they knew of each other through school, they really didn't know each other until they both were in the same school play. Landon did not want to reveal his feelings for Jamie to his circle of friends for fear of being ostracized from the group. Jamie had a secret crush on Landon, but would not act on her feelings in her initial contact with him. Through time, however, both Jamie and Landon came to terms with their feelings for one another, even though conflict and obstacles were a part of their everyday life. They went from being acquaintances to life partners when they exchanged wedding vows. One of the concepts of interpersonal communication present in the movie is self-disclosure. Self-disclosure involves purposefully providing information to others that they would not learn if you did not tell them. It moves in small increments, and the exchange of personal information moves from less to more personal. Risks are taken in disclosing, but with trust, disclosure is possible. The quality of an interpersonal relationship can be enhanced through this process. The relationship between Jamie and Landon followed this self-disclosing process. Landon knew nothing of Jamie's medical condition, leukemia. As their relationship progressed, Jamie disclosed her condition to Landon, even though she knew that she was taking a risk that this could possibly end their relationship. Landon, realizing that he truly loved Jamie, self-disclosed by professing his love for her. This action, too, could have been risky, if she had chosen to not accept his love because of the potential that she would die and not be able to return his love. Their relationship took baby steps that helped it grow and develop. They did not reveal a great deal of information about themselves until the time was right and they could sense that their relationship was ready for the next step. They both held back their emotions. Though their relationship culminated in intimate space (zone of personal space most often used for very personal or intimate interactions, ranging from 0 to 1-1/2 feet from the individual), it initially began in what is considered social space (zone of personal space most often used for group interactions, ranging from 4 to 12 feet from the individual). At school, they shared social space, but this changed to personal space during play rehearsal. This can be seen during one of their meetings when Landon approaches Jamie and asks for help with his lines in the play. There was a distance between them but it was less than the space they shared at school. Through their working together on the play, this social space lessened to personal space (zone of personal space most often used for conversation, ranging from 1-1/2 feet to 4 feet from the individual. Though there was no kissing scene in the original script, Landon and Jamie entered intimate space when Landon kisses Jamie after she sings her solo. This is the first outward sign of his feelings for her. How a person is perceived can result in conflict. In this movie, several examples of pseudoconflict can be found. Pseudoconflict is a type of conflict that is triggered by a lack of understanding and miscommunication. While riding on a school bus, Jamie approaches Landon and questions him about a man who is in rehab for an injury that Landon and his friends were responsible for. Landon refuses to answer Jamie's questions and Landon becomes judgmental. Jamie responds by telling Landon that he does not know her. Landon tells Jamie, I do know you. You are Jamie, we have gone to school together for awhile, and you have exactly one sweater. Jamie then tells Landon that he is a jerk. Since Jamie, in the initial stage of her relationship with Landon, viewed him negatively, her perception of him was the reason for the conflict. This also was true of Landon who viewed her as a miss goody two shoes, a perception that influenced his judgment of her. It can take weeks, months, or even years for a relationship to develop. For a relationship to succeed, all parties involved must be able to engage in interpersonal communication. Often times, situations present themselves in a relationship that may cause problems. If interpersonal communication takes place, however, all challenges can be overcome. This can be seen in the movie. Jamie's leukemia and her disclosure of it to Landon could have been a major obstacle. Yet, because they had progressed from small talk to more personal feelings and expectations through self-disclosure, they were able to maintain and even enhance their relationship. Being willing to take into consideration the feelings of others is imperative in the communication process. Risks are always involved in interpersonal communication, but being willing to take these risks is the first step. Communication is the only way to solve problems and mend fences. It is, in fact, the only way to survive in this world.