Maslows Hierarchy of Needs Film Analysis Paper Essays - Psychology

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Film Analysis Paper In the film Shawshank redemption, we get an up-close testament to how interpersonal communication affects individual to individual circumstances. Interpersonal communicationis a term commonly referred to as an exchange of information between two or more people, usually with a messenger and receiver. Through communication concepts and ideas, the audience is introduced to intersectionality between characters' personas, circumstances, and tactics of conveying different communication strategies. As it pertains to Maslow's Hierarchy of needs, if we attain these levels, then acceptance of others choices will help us function to become a tighter knit society. In Shawshank redemption, we are introduced to the tale of Andy the banker, who's sentenced to life in prison after being accused of slaying his wife and her lover. In the process, he meets another prisoner by the name of Red. The two instantly bond over time, introducing the interposal imperative concept. Per Woods, the triangle of the Hierarchy of needs can be attributed to every individual in society. In Andy's case, he's specifically forced to succumb to physical need and safety needs through communication (Woods 22). One of the captain guards even goes as far as beating a prisoner who hurts Andy, after Andy begins helping the guard with his taxes. This tradeoff provides self-sufficiency for the guard, and safety for Andy (as well as cold beer, which falls into a physical need after some time). Another example of one of the hierarchy of needs at work within the film comes from one of the prison gangs. Some individuals within Shawshank joined a gang called the "sisters" and assault ed/jumped Andy on numerous occasions, due to the longing for others company, acceptance, and affirmation" (Woods 24). A young inmate joins Red and Andy midway through the film, and Andy helps the young man attain his GED. By doing so, Andy simultaneously helped the man by the name Tommy reaffirm his self needs portion of the hierarchy of needs. This part of the triangle proclaims that "being valued and respected by others" is an essential human need (Woods 25). A final aspect of Maslow's hierarchy of needs is that of self-actualization. A soon as one of the older prisoners in the movie by the name of Brooks is released on Parole, he finds it hard to adjust to the real world, and ends up hanging himself. Maslow states that each of us wants to cultivate new dimensions of mind, heart, and spirit." Brooks killed himself because he found himself to be of no use to the world, thus reaffirming Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Overall, this film and paper taught me a variety of things about interpersonal communication. For one, communication between individuals is not only for self-sufficiency, but a clear majority of the public tends to operate based on how those around them effectively communicate thoughts, ideas, and messages to them. It's important to study communication because without it, there would be no basis of understanding day to day societal living. The film provided explicit examples of communication for reasons of affection, inclusion, and control, the three main reasons as to which Maslow claims interpersonal communication is pursued by individuals. The film was very effective for studying communication, as it provided many subtle examples, as well as explicit ones. Communication is best understood when magnified and studied under a lens, and should always be the main prerogative of any individual, company, brand, etc. that wants to sustain a good relationship with his/her loved ones, or cl ientele/consumers. WORKS CITED Wood, Julia T. Interpersonal Communication: Everyday Encounters . Boston, MA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning, 2010. Print.