What Women Want - Film Reaction Paper

What Women Want is the story of a man who traditionally relates to women in a sexist manner.  Through a freak accident, he is given the ability to understand women in a unique way, which alters his communication methods and style. 

1. What perception does Mel Gibson's character have of how he is perceived by others - before and after the accident? 

2. What is the "presenting self" for the character played by Mel Gibson?  Does it change during the film?

3. Provide examples of confirming and disconfirming messages exhibited in the film.

4. Which listening styles does Mel Gibson's character display before and after the accident?  Provide examples to support your response.

5. Provide two examples of self-disclosure in the film.  What was the degree of intimacy in each instance?

6. The relationship between the characters portrayed by Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt are a perfect example of Knapp's Model of Relationship Development.  Provide examples of Initiating, intensifying, differentiating, and avoiding behavior.

7. According to Table 8-4 on page 261, which method of conflict resolution was used in the working relationship between the characters portrayed by Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt?

8. Explain Win-Win, Win-Lose, Lose-Lose, and Compromise.  Provide an example from the film for two of the methods.

9. Provide an example of ambiguous non-verbal behavior in the film.

10. Explain self-fulfilling prophesy as it relates to Erin's character.