Introduction
Communication in romantic relationships is a complex subject for most people due to its sensitive nature and implications. Cultural and social barriers might obstruct partners’ expectations and how they perceive each other. This exact phenomenon occurred between Sebastian and Mia – the protagonists in the musical film La La Land. Their relationship is relatable to most people because it has its ups and downs, partially because they struggled to properly balance their passions and love.
This paper thoroughly investigates how the portrayal of Sebastian and Mia in La La Land can influence the romantic relationships of ordinary people through media and societal messages. The essay provides a theoretical background on individual and contextual factors, analyzes Sebastian and Mia via the Partner Interaction framework, and explains how the findings relate to real-life situations. Following this approach, it is possible to confirm a link between media use and romantic relationships.
Contextual Factors and Partner Interaction
The first critical concept in this paper is the individual and contextual factors that determine how societal messages can impact real-life relationships. For the current work, contextual aspects, defined as “sociocultural forces that impact romantic relationships,” are more significant (Flora, 2021). Experts typically categorize them into explicit and implicit factors to determine their impact on people. The former concerns direct recommendations, advice, and guides about romance from magazines and journals (Flora, 2021). On the other hand, implicit factors are indirect societal messages that show people how they should behave in romantic relationships (Flora, 2021).
The representation of romance in movies and TV series is a classic example of implicit information that can significantly influence how most people perceive intimate connections. Such messages can be destructive because they sometimes portray unrealistic romantic ideals, distorting the image of functional relationships among viewers (Kretz, 2019). Analyzing this topic and raising public awareness about the potential dangers of implicit societal messages is essential.
Consequently, understanding the stages of Partner Interaction can be helpful in a more detailed analysis of romance portrayed in the media. First established by Mark Knapp and Anita Vangelisti, there are five phases in the “coming together” process – initiating, experimenting, intensifying, integrating, and bonding (“Foundations of relationships,” n.d., para. 4). The former two concern initial stages, where people turn from strangers into acquaintances and recognize romantic potential. This phase is characterized by small talk and other forms of social experimentation to learn more about each other (“Foundations of relationships,” n.d.).
The intensifying stage indicates that one of the partners wants to deepen the relationship and reach more intimacy. Integrating implies that both people feel comfortable living together and sharing some common elements. In some cases, bonding refers to a formal commitment, such as marriage or cohabitation. The Partner Interaction approach can reveal valuable insights into the relationship between Sebastian and Mia in La La Land.
Relationship Between Sebastian and Mia
La La Land operates exclusively on implicit messages since the romantic plot line is a central element of the movie. Still, it does not fully determine the characters’ motivations and ambitions. In general, La La Land is about passionate people and the power of dreams, so all romance is implicit and does not explicitly convey to viewers how they should behave in relationships.
However, the romance between Sebastian and Mia is highly relatable due to its realistic depiction of love, featuring powerful feelings, disagreements, arguments, and reconciliation. Both characters can be egotistical when prioritizing their goals and hobbies instead of developing the relationship (Arnáiz, 2022). Depending on the stage of Partner Interaction, this shared passion for artistic endeavors either stimulates or hinders their relationship.
Sebastian and Mia did not like each other during their first several encounters, designating a rough initiating phase. Both characters had the sole goal of pursuing their artistic endeavors and did not consider the possibility of romance. However, during the experimentation stage, they discovered many shared interests and passions, as well as a desire to achieve success and fulfill their dreams (Arnáiz, 2022). This depiction conveys to viewers that romance can be highly overestimated and that focusing on one’s own goals is better. Moreover, if one pursues their interests, one might find someone who shares similar values, leading to a romantic relationship.
The intensifying stage is the happiest time for Sebastian and Mia – they are entirely in love and have not yet encountered any problems. It conveys that romantic relationships can be rewarding and fulfilling for both partners. They also encourage one another to pursue their passions, thereby becoming more successful in their careers.
However, during the integrating stage, when Sebastian and Mia started living together, they encountered a problem of varying expectations in the relationship. Sebastian wanted a job with a stable income to meet the requirements of Mia’s mother and act as a more respectable boyfriend; however, it meant that he had to stray away from his initial dreams. Mia could not accept this behavior and eventually broke up with Seb due to the differences in perception and individual factors. At the movie’s end, viewers see Sebastian and Mia achieve their initial dreams, although they are separated from each other. Ultimately, La La Land portrays romance in a way that suggests relationships can bring fulfillment, even if they are not always perfect or idealized.
Reflection on Media Messages
I believe that the depiction of romance in La La Land is highly realistic and shows multiple truths about relationships. In my experience, most of my friends and acquaintances find partners who share common interests and are in close physical proximity. This phenomenon is also consistent with the academic findings that highlight the significance of proximity for developing relationships (Flora, 2021). In this sense, La La Land influenced me by showing that romance can emerge when you least expect it, simply by being close to others and sharing their passions.
However, the movie also demonstrates that it might not be enough for long-lasting relationships, as the integrating stage can present real-life obstacles to romance. This issue aligns with my understanding of romantic relationships, as people around me often break up with their partners due to differences in individual factors and perspectives on life. That is why I believe that La La Land conveys realistic, implicit messages about the complexity of romance.
Conclusion
Contextual factors and societal messages from movies and TV series can significantly affect how people perceive romance in real life. Sometimes, it can be destructive due to unrealistic ideals, the pursuit of eternal happiness, and a lack of challenges. However, La La Land conveys realistic, implicit messages that highlight the actual problems faced by two individuals with unique beliefs, passions, values, and ambitions.
It is challenging to establish a functional relationship where both partners are satisfied and free to pursue their passions. Ultimately, the depiction of romance in La La Land showed me that love could be wonderful and rewarding. Still, awareness of potential problems and individual differences is essential.
References
Arnáiz, L. R. (2022). “Here’s to the fools who dream”: Hollywood’s illusion of the American dream in La La Land. Estudios Ingleses, 84, 201-209.
Flora, J. (2021). Relationship initiation and development. In G. G. Armfield & E. L. Morgan (Eds.,), Human communication in action. Kendall Hunt Publishing.
Foundations of relationships. (n.d.). Communication in the real world: An introduction to communication studies. Libraries Publishing. Web.
Kretz, V. E. (2019). Television and movie viewing predict adults’ romantic ideals and relationship satisfaction. Communication Studies, 70(2), 208-234. Web.