An
Analysis of the Movie
“National
Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”
This analysis is an exercise for you
and your spouse to learn more about barriers to communication in marriage. It
is based on the Chevy Chase movie, “National Lampoon’s Christmas
Vacation. Under each term is a quotation from the movie. Underneath
the quote is brief analysis.
Ignoring and Diverting
While driving out to get the
Christmas tree, the Criswald’s are being tailgated by two ornery looking
men. The wife tells Chevy: “Slow down and let them pass… He ignores
her request, speeding up.
She then says, “Clark, don’t provoke
them.” Chevy points out the passenger side of the car and says, “Hey
kids, look, a deer.” Everyone including his wife looks, diverting their
attention away from the passing truck. Chevy then gestures these ornery
looking men.
Marriage Counselor Naples FL understands
that ignoring and diverting minimizes your spouse’s concerns and sends the
message that those concerns are unimportant to them.
Stating Opinion as Fact
The son asks, “Dad, didn’t they
invent Christmas tree lots so people would have to drive all the way out to
nowhere and waste their whole Saturday.” Chevy responded, “They invented
them Russ because people forgot how to have a fun, old-fashioned family
Christmas and are satisfied with scrawny, dead, over-priced trees that have no
special meaning.
Marriage Counselor Fort Myers FL knows that stating opinion as fact places undue importance
on your statements and leaves your spouse in the position of having to prove
you wrong. This creates an argumentative
atmosphere.
Globalization
Wife tells Chevy that her parents (in
addition to his) are also planning to come to their house for Christmas.
She expresses concern about how difficult it will be having everyone in the
house at the same time. She adds, “All they do is argue.”
Marriage Counselor Bonita Springs FL realize that globalization causes
one spouse to shrink the other down to the size of his or her perceived
transgressions. When a spouse thinks this way, he or she disregards all the
good traits their partner possesses.
Logical Argument & Reassuring
Chevy responds to his wife’s concerns
by being very objective about it and reassuring. “Honey, they are
family. They are not strangers off the street….
“Christmas is about resolving
differences and seeing through the petty problems of family
life.”
Marriage Counselor Estero FL sees this as another way to minimize the concerns of your spouse.
It also treats your spouse as if they are not understanding the situation
properly.
Praising Evaluatively
Wife: “It’s just I know how you
build things up in your mind… You set standards that no family event can ever
live up to” [i.e. in trying to do your best, it makes it impossible to
do].
This is a way to manipulate your spouse to
do things your way. It can lead to anxiety and a loss in confidence in
your spouse.
For help with your marriage, contact Dr.
Ken Newberger at 239-689-4266 or read about his process for healing
your relationship at www.MarriageCounselingAlt.com/couple.htm.
He will see you in his office in Southwest Florida or help you online via
Skype.
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