The Lake House (2006) – Film Review – Communication Competence
The chosen “The Lake House” (2006) represents the social, cultural experience. Using the basic communication principles, we will better understand how they are reflected in the communication between Alex and Kate in the given culture.
By using forms of communication as intrapersonal and interpersonal communication, characters in the film are seen following the various guidelines used to achieve proper functioning and defined goals through effective communication (Chan, 2020. Messages conveyed are concise, mostly done through letters to a particular individual in another location. Using the principle of conciseness, we get to see Alex and Kate share thoughts and feelings conveniently and concisely, which they both understood. We also see the principle of clarity in the clear communication between the two characters on places to meet, times to meet and their different lives. While they wrote to each other about various events, it is evident that each letter was based on a previous letter or was an answer to the letter received. Such appropriate and exact transmission of messages helps viewers see that the receiver to the letter had understood the intended message and was therefore replying to it.
On correctness, it was evident that from the meeting places such as the lake house or the Dallay Plaza, the letter’s recipient had understood and accurately interpreted the message written. The guidelines of accurate communications show how messages are correctly interpreted, and the impact spews forth over to the movie, therefore, giving it continuity. The resulting effective communication between the two characters is essential for proper and effective communication, thus deepening the relationship and increasing the trust between Alex and Kate. There is also the principle of concreteness in which the clear and precise messages are defined in concrete letters with the message being specific, clear, definite and straight to the point. The two share dates, figures, locations and ideas in which they both have zero chances of misinterpreting the message.
Also, looking at the principle of completeness, the messages are complete and effective as the recipients seem to receive all the necessary information needed. From the various incidences that come to happen in the film, viewers get to see the call to action that that gets a character instantly responding. Using an example of Kate’s letter, she writes saying she was at the Dallay Plaza. Alex starts heading there using the information relayed. There is no room for doubt as Kate answers the most important questions Alex might have had.
We also cannot deny the fact that these two strangers are courteous while writing to each other. They are respectful, often sharing details about their lives and answering any questions addressed in a previous letter. They are polite and remain enthusiastic, sincere and reflective. The sender always seems to be taking care of the receivers’ feelings and focuses on being positive, entertaining or charming. Their whole interaction was coherent, with both logic and consistency being part of a sender’s message. The main reason behind being coherent is that a reader may understand what is being said and conveyed properly, with all terms being relevant and interconnected.
While the film might have gotten the communication aspects right, there are instances when the receiver gets to portray emotions like anxiety and concern, especially at the beginning. The film, therefore, shows how inefficient letters are as one had to wait a long time, a period in which events would have already happened, suppose the message got late in arriving. Though not that the film has gotten it wrong, it portrays how letters were slow compared to today’s online dating and social platforms with instant messaging.
With the help of tools that promote intercultural communication and interpersonal communication, viewers get to see the importance of cultural competence in the communication between ate and Alex. They communicate using a knowledge system that uses abilities, aptitudes, and thoroughly mastered and structured skills (Godwin-Jones, 2019). Viewers see the certain adjustments the recipient has to make regarding a certain situation resulting in a dynamic process specific to the situation. Most importantly, viewers get to see how the characters can explain themselves and make themselves understood without any inhibitions or hesitation. While this is an accurate depiction of what happens in society, technology has brought many hidden meanings that might change what a receiver may understand, say, using emojis. Messages do not have communication intentions nor intercultural competence. Strategic, linguistic, and pragmatic competencies are unequal and unrelated to the main component in an interpersonal communication setting.
In conclusion, while communication is influenced by cultural behaviour, people sometimes do not comprehend the effects of their assumptions on communication or its exchange. While cultural perceptions and symbols systems are easily perceived, they can alter communication, altering the results. In addition, interpersonal communication may be misunderstood when people exchange and interpret information or meaning and feelings, using verbal or non-verbal cues. As things like facial expression, gestures or tone of voice may be misleading, communication competence is important as it ensures efficient and effective communication.
Ordered by Jayme Downs from Zaxby’s Oxford Mississippi
jdowns@zaxoxfordfoods.com
662 501 7201
