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After watching the movie, Fireproof, I was able to identify different interpersonal communication concepts throughout the movie. The first interpersonal communication concept that I found was Degenerative Communication Spiral. According to Stewart, Degenerative Communication Spiral is when “misunderstanding and discord create more and more relationship damage” (Stewart, 2012). Catherine and Caleb’s communication, in the first part of the movie, continues to spiral downhill (Kendrick, 2008). With each response that Catherine gives Caleb, and vice versa, escalates the other party (Kendrick, 2008). Each party is seen being guilty of using a negative tone of voice, negative body language, and negative phrases (Kendrick, 2008).
As we progress through the movie, Catherine and Caleb’s communication turns from aDegenerative Communication Spiral to more of a Generative Communication Spiral after Caleb receives a book from his Father (Kendrick, 2008). Stewart defines Generative Communication Spiral as “when communication behaviors interlock to produce more positive feelings about the relationship” (Stewart, 2012). The more Caleb progresses through the Love Dare, the more Catherine seems to respond more positively. At first she does not seem to want to recognize his efforts but as the days progress she reacts more positively to his actions (Kendrick, 2008).
It is important to note that Catherine and Caleb both have significantly stressful careers. Caleb is the captain of his Fire House while Catherine works in a fast-paced local hospital (Kendrick, 2008). While Catherine does work shorter shifts, we assume that she works at least five days per week. Caleb on the other hand works twenty-four hour shifts but we assume works two to three shifts per week (Kendrick, 2008). This issue is typical of many families throughout the country.
Self-disclosure plays a particularly important role between Catherine and Caleb’s rebuilding of their relationship (Stewart, 2012). Once each of them came to terms with their feelings and expressed it to not just themselves but to others and one another, they were able to work towards rebuilding their crumbling marriage (Kendrick, 2008). If Caleb had never communicated to his Father about his failing marriage, would Caleb have attempted to save their marriage or strictly follow through with the divorce (Kendrick, 2008)? During the movie, Identity was revealed towards the end of the movie when Caleb and Catherine realized why they first fell in love with one another. At the beginning of the movie, Caleb expresses to his Father that he “feels nothing” toward Catherine but his Father asks him to patiently wait and see (Kendrick, 2008). Once Catherine and Caleb were able to better communicate with each other and let some of the stress in their relationship dwindle off, they were able to realize just why they got married in the first place.
Lastly, I believe it is important to note something that happened at the beginning of the movie. Catherine, seemingly unhappy, speaks to her Mother about wishing she could hear her voice and have Mother-Daughter talks like they once had (Kendrick, 2008). Unlike Caleb, Catherine is unable to fully communicate with her Mother any longer due to what we assume to be a health issue (Kendrick, 2008). Catherine’s Mother however does use non-verbal communication with her by using her eye contact and facial expressions (Kendrick, 2008).
Reference
Kendrick, A. (Director). (2008). Fireproof [Motion Picture]. Albany, GA: Sony Pictures.
Stewart, J. (2012). Bridges Not Walls: A Book About Interpersonal Communication (11th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
