The Ugly Truth

September 20, 2009 at 10:15 pm (Uncategorized)

The Ugly Truth

Synopses Abby Richter (Katherine Heigl) is a romantically challenged morning show producer whose search for Mr. Perfect has left her hopelessly single. She’s in for a rude awakening when her bosses team her with Mike Chadway (Gerard Butler), a hardcore shock jock who promises to spill the ugly truth on what makes men and women tick.

Launch date: 17 September 2009 (Singapore)

I’m sure some of you must have already caught this movie. I did. Along with a troupe of friends. And while most would notice its cliché story line, I noticed a few other things. This story is essentially about a control freak women attempting to find her perfect man, and a cynical man plagued by past experiences.

Looking pass the story line, you will notice that in this movie, how one man’s perception is translated into a mass communicated message through the media, a talk show. He perceived his surroundings: the general population, men in particular, to be animals, to be treated and dealt with as such, fueled and motivated only by lust. He perceived his experiences to be solid proof that women are deceptive and manipulative creatures. All that was in turn translated into a cynic with the privilege of a talk show, broadcasting his own perception to the public at large.

Although the movie did not show the public’s response per se, the talk show’s rating were proof enough that it influenced a large amount of people. We can only imagine how the audience took his message and what they did in turn to their own lives.

Perception is the process by which we make sense of the world around us. And for Mike Chadway, his perception was shaped by his negative experiences, and that cynical, twisted way he perceives things helps him make sense of his bad experiences.

Our perception is influenced by psychological factors, through our thought processes, character, and experiences. Our experiences triggers a thought process that will eventually be aided or can only be curbed by our character. If one man allows his bad relationship experiences to alter his perception to such a degree, without a strong character, can that individual still remain an objective, responsible communicator?

If any of us becomes part of the media industry, we will be partaking as an influence in our changing society. Will we remain conscious of our role and be mindful of the ideas and opinions we disseminate?

Our perception is often incomplete or flawed. And while we may as individuals feel we are right, we must also remain vigilant to the fact that our perception when communicated to other, may have negative impacts on other’s lives.

Been giving advice flippantly recently??

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