Film Analysis - Wit

FILM ANALYSIS –WIT
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Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................2
Part 1................................................................................................................................................2
Effective communication.............................................................................................................2
Ineffective communication..........................................................................................................3
Part 2................................................................................................................................................4
Impact of the film.........................................................................................................................4
Gaps in my learning.....................................................................................................................4
Plans for improvement in therapeutic communication................................................................5
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................5
Reference list...................................................................................................................................6
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Introduction
Therapeutic communication refers to the face to face interactive process to facilitate the
interaction between the health care professionals and the patient in order to improve the well
being of the patient. In this study, the 2001 American film namely ‘Wit’ has been analysed in
order to delve deeper into the realm of therapeutic communication.
Part 1
Effective communication
In this film, very few instances of a proper therapeutic communication have been showed.. In the
movie, there was only one character/nurse namely Susie who showed the ideal therapeutic nurse-
patient relationship in the movie by showing both care and respect towards Vivian. According to
Webster (2013), care and respect are two vital elements in therapeutic communication However,
Susie was not aware of the professional obligations of being a health care professional as much
as the other intellectual doctors and researchers did. As an outcome of her therapeutic
communicative skills, some of the positive outcomes of health care communication have been
achieved.
For example, safety in therapeutic communication can be owned by creating the area of trust in
the minds of the patients for the health care professionals and especially for the nurses. Susie
succeeded in developing trust within Vivian through her skills of social interaction (Wit 2001).
This scenario has been highlighted when Vivian was seen to be battling with an advanced stage
cancer and the aftermaths of aggressive chemotherapy. At that time, she went through both
physical and mental breakdowns and that could not be healed by medicines only. She needed a
person to talk to. Being mentally homeless, Vivian was unable to talk to her family members
about how she felt during that time. Thus, Susie was there for her so that she could interact with
her at that crucial time of her treatment. This kind of interactions gives a sense of security to the
patients while spending days amidst unknown people.
This film also shows excellence while depicting therapeutic interaction through the character
portrayal of Susie, the nurse. The element of excellence was seen after Vivian died and Doctor
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