Ordinary People: character development and family dynamics in the film

Ordinary People

In life, there are a number of conflicts that will affect the way everyone is interacting with each other. Ordinary People is the classical example of this. It is about an upscale family in Lake Forrest, Illinois (i.e. The Jarrett's). They are dealing with the death of their oldest son named Buck. He is represented as a larger than life character, which everyone adores and looks up to. After Buck's death, his younger brother (Conrad) attempts suicide. This is because he blames himself for what happened and has trouble adjusting. His parents (Calvin and Beth) want the family to have a normal life again. (Schwary & Redford, 1980)

However, this does not taken place, as Conrad returns from spending time in a mental hospital (after the attempted suicide) and tries to adjust. In the process, a series of deep ceded conflicts are brought to the surface. This occurs with Calvin trying to connect with his only son and not fully understanding what he is going through. While Beth, desperately wants the family to live the life that it once had prior to Bucks death. Throughout the film, these issues are continually brought to the forefront by showing the strange relationship between the characters and events which are unfolding. The climax occurs on Christmas, when Beth is confronted by Conrad and Calvin. This causes her to leave the family and it forces them to rebuild in the aftermath of these events. (Schwary & Redford, 1980)

Body

In the movie, there are a number of communication theories that will have an effect on the way the various characters are interacting with each other. The most notable include: interpersonal conflict, cultural differences and contempt for each other. These elements are important, as they are illustrating how conflicts will occur throughout the film. In many ways, they mirror situations that are happening in real life with families who appear to be normal. Yet, underneath it all, they are having tremendous problems. (Floyd, 2008) (Schwary & Redford, 1980)

Interpersonal conflict is when at least two different parties will have incompatible goals and expectations about events unfolding in their lives. This can lead to hostilities and misunderstanding between various parties. As they have different goals and beliefs about what should be happening. It is at this point, when these individuals will begin to argue and show resentment towards one another. If left unaddressed, these emotions will continue to grow until there is a dramatic climax. This is when both sides will have the chance to voice their concerns at each other (out of their anger and frustration). (Floyd, 2008)

In the movie, this is occurring between Conrad, Calvin and Beth. Conrad is angry, because he cannot be what his brother was and feels that his parents do not care or understand him. To make matters worse he feels alienated from his peers and has no one to really talk with about his problems other than his psychiatrist (Dr. Berger). (Schwary & Redford, 1980) (Floyd, 2008)

Calvin wants to connect with Conrad, but does not know how. Moreover, he feels as if he is losing his son and wants to do something to prevent this from happening. This creates interpersonal conflict out of the frustration from not connecting with him or having control over the events which are unfolding. (Schwary & Redford, 1980) (Floyd, 2008)

Beth wants everything to be back to normal (prior to Buck's death). However, this is not happening and she feels angry that Conrad cannot change his attitudes and beliefs. At the same time, she wants to have that sense of closeness with Calvin and Conrad. But, everything is different and she is unable to do this. It is at this point, when she withdraws into her own world of false expectations. This creates interpersonal conflict, as she needs her husband and son to return things back to the way they were. Yet, these transformations are not taking place and this frustrates her. (Schwary & Redford, 1980) (Floyd, 2008)

Cultural differences are occurring with the various generations having contrasting views about Buck's death and how to cope with these challenges. In case of Calvin and Beth, they feel that Conrad needs to take charge of his own life and stop feeling sorry for himself. This means that he must let go of the past and become more sociable in the process. (Schwary & Redford, 1980) (Floyd, 2008)

In the movie, this takes place with the frequent arguments between Conrad and Beth. Calvin is forced to referee and feels torn between the two sides. On one hand, he has a cultural connection with Beth and desperately wants Conrad to change. Yet, he also has the love that a father will have for his son by not wanting to lose him. These differences are illustrating contrasting culture views, in the way the various characters are interacting with each other. (Schwary & Redford, 1980) (Floyd, 2008)

As these differences continue to build, is the point the various parties will have contempt for each other. This takes place during Christmas, as Conrad argues with Beth and tells her how she never loved him. He points out how when he was in the hospital she never came to visit him. At which point, Conrad claims how she loved Buck more than him. Beth responds, by saying how Buck would have never been in that situation and he needs to stop feeling sorry for himself. As she really does love him; but Conrad is filled with sadness, anger and resentment (which makes him unable to see it). (Schwary & Redford, 1980) (Floyd, 2008)

This leads to a confrontation between: Calvin and Beth. He questions their love and wonders if she is capable of loving anyone at all. Stunned by these revelations, Beth leaves. This is because she feels a sense of betrayal and does not think that anybody feels or understands her pain. The contempt that occurs is the logical result of different challenges impacting the various personalities and their refusal to understand / work together in addressing them. This continues to build, until it leads to a final confrontation. It is at this point, when everyone will become more withdrawn and is left to start all over again. (Schwary & Redford, 1980) (Floyd, 2008)