Flaws in Commuication Case

Flaws in Communication: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

In the movie How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days Andie Anderson and

Benjamin Barry use both verbal and non-verbal communication. Communication

is the crux of Andie and Benjamin’s relationship throughout the film. They are

both vying for power as Andie tries the stereotypical ways in which women drive

men away and Benjamin tries to make her fall in love with him to get ahead at

work. They both lie to further their goals. They also both feel something for the

other one so at times it is hard to maintain the facade and the truth shines

through. During the trip to visit Benjamin’s family Andie and Benjamin both are

open and honest with each other. At those times Benjamin can see Andie for who

she really is. Benjamin, therefore doesn’t have to pretend to enjoy Andie’s

company, he truly does. There is a time that Andie realizes that something more

is going between her and Benjamin and tries to back out of her article, but, her

boss won’t let her.

Communication is the whole problem in Andie and Benjamin’s

relationship. They are both trying to prove a point to other people and not being

honest with each other. Andie and Benjamin are actually very well suited for one

another. They have many similar interests and are very multi-dimensional

individuals. Andie pretends to be a stereotypical clingy female. The way Andie

portrays herself drives Benjamin crazy, but he has to stick it out or he will lose the

bet. The lies that both Benjamin and Andie tell lead to the demise of their

relationship when the deceptions are discovered. It is only when Benjamin later

reads Andie’s article, which is the most open and honest communication that

they have shared that he changes his mind. There are several instances of

demand-withdraw communication within the film. Benjamin tries to disclose his

feeling of doubts and Andie remains indifferent to him.