When Harry Met Sally Analysis

In 1989 the romantic comedy, “When Harry Met Sally”, was released to the public and became one of the greatest films of all time. The story begins with two individuals, Harry and Sally, who meet during a drive across the country. They have several encounters during a twelve year time across New York City. The question that is the center of the entire film is, can men and women be friends? The film captures several different aspects of communication. In the movie, “How Harry Met Sally”, physical needs, gender roles, perception stereotypes and communication that provides comfort and healing are just five principles of communications demonstrated in the film.
Getting Physical Needs Met. One of many reasons people communicate is to get their
Harry Tries to get his physical needs met through sex. Gender roles are displayed when an argument breaks out between Jess and Marie about a wagon wheel class table. Through the interaction it is implied that women should occupy the role of decoration. Perception has three stages, selection, organization, and interpretation. Through the process of perception he comes to the conclusion that he can not be friends with Sally because she is attractive and as a result tries to have sex with her. Stereotypes are based off generalizations and are displayed in the film in Harry’s lack of emotional connection to sex. This is based on the generalization that men are emotionally disconnected to sex. The last principle displayed providing comfort and healing through verbal communication. The four tips provided by professional counselors include, acknowledging the loss, express sympathy, offer a positive reflection, and offering assistance. This is displayed in film when both Harry and Sally call their close married friends Jess and Marie. The movie how Harry meets Sally provides many different principles of communication and provide excellent examples of communication principles in