Application Mark Knapp's model of communication to NOAH movie
Communication refers to a two-way process in which there is an exchange or progression of ideas aimed at achieving a mutually accepted goal or direction. We will look at the model as indicated by Mark Knapp in relation to the movie NOAH and bring out the various areas in which the model has been practiced in the movie.
The communication model as put forth by Mark Knapp is divided into two phases i.e. the model of relationship escalation and the model of relationship termination. Each has five different components, and they are as follows;
Relationship escalation model
It refers to the processes in which individuals act in a way as to come together. The components of this model include;
Initiation
In this stage of communication, the main aim of the parties involved in communication is making impression to the other. It is the shortest and appearances, as well as mannerisms, are used to make impressions on one another. In the movie, we see an initiation between Noah's wife and Ila at the point when Noah's family rescues her after what seemed like an attack from other people. Noah's wife makes an impression that she is harmless by being concerned of the wound in her stomach and tied it with a cloth. It is in line with Knapp's view of initiation of communication.
Experimentation
This stage entails the exploration and probing on each other in a bid to gain more insight and make a decision on whether the relationship is to be maintained or not. The interests of the parties involved are always common in situations where the relationships are maintained. In cases where the interests of the parties concerned are not the same, they ultimately go apart from one another. From the movie, the best example is when Cain comes to Noah with the view of joining him to the ark. But Noah turns him down due to their different interests.
Intensifying
It is the stage where self-disclosure takes center stage as the individuals reveal their personal information as they view the impression they make to the party on the receiving end. The verbal communications become more frequent and informal. From the movie, this is evident in Shem and Ila as she discloses her barrenness to Shem when they are out in the desert.
Integration
The integration stage is where the parties involved even draw closer to each other, and the intimacy level grows to a great extent. It is also viewed in the relationship between Shem and Ila.
Bonding
With regards to bonding, it is the stage where the announcement of the relationship between the parties involved is made formal. All the stakeholders (directly or indirectly related to the parties) are made aware of the existence of the relationship between the parties concerned. In the movie, Noah pronounces Ila and Shem as husband and wife and the two daughters (twins) born to them to multiply the earth.
Relationship termination model
In this part of the whole model he looks at the process in which individuals come apart or act in a rebelling manner to one another in five distinct stages, and they are;
Differentiating
According to Knapp, people start to portray individualistic practices and neglects the partner in major decisions. The bonds between the partners weaken as they find other activities more appealing than staying with the partners. It is brought out clearly when Noah abandons his wife and embarks on staying alone in a cave in the movie.
Circumscribing
It entails limiting of communication between individuals since boundaries buildup between individuals. None of the parties moves to break the deadlock thereby meaning that none of them talks about the cause of the lack of good communication. In the movie, it is portrayed by Ham's cold treatment of his father due to the refusal by his father to take the girl she saves from Cain to the ark. Ham does not talk about it to his father and rather behaves coldly towards his father.
Stagnation
In this case, the relationship declines even more and the party that feels more offended only states due to an attachment (temporary or permanent) to the other party. Ham sticks around just because of his family i.e. mother and brothers (Shem and Japheth). He feels insignificant in the family and rebels to an extent of helping Cain into the ark behind the fathers back.
Avoidance
Contact between the parties is avoided intentionally at all costs since it impairs the effective communication and existing together becomes a major problem. It is mostly due to the hurtful feelings that one harbors towards the other. Ham harbors so much in his heart and stays away from his father at all costs just to find peace of mind.
Terminating
At this stage, there is a complete termination of the relationship between the parties, and they embark on different paths in life altogether. It is due to the intolerance and guilt that one party suffers to the extent that he/she cannot take anymore and decides to leave. Also, in the movie Ham portrays this level of communication as per Knapp's model by leaving for another place as the movie ends. He finds it better to leave than to stay since he believed that he was not wanted by the other members of the family.
