Fireproof: Interpersonal Communication Concepts

The movie Fireproof shows an example where the central conflict is expressed and resolved through communication. After seven years of marriage and conflict over the slightest issues, Caleb, a firefighter and his wife, Catherine, who works as a public relations officer at a hospital, are on the verge of a divorce. However, as they prepare for their divorce, Caleb’s friend Michael and his father convince him to save his marriage by using a spiritual approach called the Love Dare as a last option and to get saved (Fireproof, 2008). Michale’s and Caleb’s father intervention only occurs after a self disclosure to them.

The conflict between husband and wife is presented at the beginning of the movie. Both partners feel unappreciated, unloved and disrespected. The problem is enhanced by the insistent nagging wife and the careless pornography loving husband, and even more by the careless and deep cutting words they keep exchanging. To satisfy her need for affection, Catherine flirts and offers longing glances to a physician who is kind to her. The movie shows a gradual improvement of their relationship as the two share the deepest parts of each other (Fireproof, 2008). This is a very good example of how degenerative spirals are expressed in the movie. Instead of solving their problems, they worsen them by revenging and fighting back. Self disclosure is also evident between Catherine and the physician.

Caleb accepts to save his marriage by religiously following the prescriptions of the Love Dare. On the other side, this surprises Catherine who in turn loses faith in him and tells him that. The intended message is not exchanged and instead Catherine thinks that Caleb wants a better divorce deal. Due to the dislike she now hosts for her husband, Catherine looks at her husband’s good deeds with a negative light (Fireproof, 2008).

The movie also shows situations where the individuals change their identities to handle different situations. Catherine drives towards a romantic relationship to get the affection she desires. When she discovers that her husband’s concern is genuine, she changes. Caleb, on the other hand is carefree at the beginning. He reforms later to resolve her marital issues.

In conclusion, the movie shows us situations where conflict is caused by poor interpersonal communication. Correcting their weaknesses brings the family together and saves it from collapse. Even better, the family becomes even stronger with their renewed devotion to God.

References

Fireproof. (2008). Hollywood