Ineffective Listening

Ineffective Listening

Ineffective Listening
Jerry Maguire (1996). Rated R.
Jerry Maguire (Tom Cruise) is a high-powered pro sports agent who is so focused on success that he doesn't have time to truly listen to any of his clients. In true Hollywood fashion, Jerry only learns the importance of listening when he is close to losing the most important people in his life. As the film ends, Jerry is redeemed by the love of a good woman (Renée Zellweger), a young boy (Jonathan Lipnicki), and good friends (Cuba Gooding, Jr., and Regina King).
Jerry and Dorothy recently married each other out of convenience. Although they are husband and wife, they are relationally distant. They are going through the motions of married life, while every other relationship depicted in this scene is, by comparison, more intimate than theirs. Jerry is passionate about his career as a sports agent but has little passion for his wife. As a result, he sends her a variety of disconfirming messages (some verbal, some nonverbal) in their bedroom discussion.
Jerry McGuire
Commentary: Although they are husband and wife, they are relationally distant. They are going through the motions of married life, while every other relationship depicted in this scene is, by comparison, more intimate than theirs. Jerry is passionate about his career as a sports agent but has little passion for his wife. As a result, he sends her a variety of disconfirming messages (some verbal, some nonverbal) in their bedroom discussion. |
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