Good Will Hunting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Good Will Hunting - Essay Example The social penetration theory establishes the fact that as relationships develop, the parties’ communication moves from relatively shallow, non-intimate levels to deeper, and levels that are more personal. The theory applies in interpersonal communication and aims at reaching the core personality or sense of self among the communicators (Griffin 10 -18). A cyclical and dialectical approach suggests closeness occurs through a gradual process of  self-disclosure if the participants proceed in a gradual and orderly fashion. The theory is thus not subjective to personal feelings or bias but solely relies on facts instead of opinions. This paper will draw the relationship of the social penetration theory to the relationships portrayed in the film. It will also confirm if relationships move through and how the characters self-disclose. It will also explain if any over-discloses too quickly and whether the lack of disclosure harms any of relationship. To achieve this, the paper wil l consider the Will Hunting relationships with a mathematics professor at MIT, Gerald Lamdeau (Stellan Skarsgard) and that with Sean McGuire (Mr. Williams), a therapist. Relationship of the social penetration theory to the relationships portrayed in the film The most significant relationship in the film Good Will Hunting is the relationship between Will Hunting and Sean McGuire (Mr. Williams), the therapist. This relationship relates to the social penetration theory in many ways. This relationship emanates from an earlier relationship between Will and Lamdeau. Initially, Will would solve mathematical problems and go his way without waiting for recognition. However, after the professor realized his talent, he decided to search for him. Indeed, when Lamdeau found him at work Will Hunting run away but Lamdeau tracks him down in a jail for assaulting a police offer. Here they advanced their shallow communication to a deeper level when Lamdeau bails him out with a condition that Will Hun ting will agree to spend one day a week meeting with a therapist. This leads to the relationship between Will Hunting and Sean, the therapist. They initially had shallow communication. However, subject to the fact that Sean is the survivor of a tough Southie upbringing like Will Hunting, there communication developed deeper as Sean would help him in appreciating his talents. Additionally, Will had intimate relationship with Skylar. Together, Skylar and Sean took the communication with Will to a more personal level where they taught to remove barriers in his life and advance his talents. This was a clear demonstration of the communication theory, social penetration theory. If the relationships moves through and how the characters self-disclose Both relationships move through from relatively shallow communication levels, non-intimate, to more deeper and personal communications. Indeed, were beneficial to all parties as they share their knowledge, experiences, and concern to help one a nother. Actually, out of concern, the professor sought to help Will come to his right senses and went ahead to involve his therapist friend, Sean to help in the mission. The relationships were relevantly relying on facts from education and life experiences. Where Sean was quick to self, disclose to Will, Will pass through many therapists before