Preliminary note: I have been meaning to get this blog published for months now. My apologies it's so late. When I originally wrote this the film was still in theaters, it's now on DVD. :-)
Hollywood has had its hold on couples and their therapy process for decades. However, it is only recently that I have paid much attention to it. As a couples therapist I knew that I had to view this film for analytical purposes. So, I for our latest date night my husband begrudgingly accompanied me to witness Steve Carell play the role of "the shrink." The film addresses the Question, "Can passion and intimacy last in a long-term marriage?"
Kay, played by Meryl Steep and Arnold, played by Tommy Lee Jones sleep in separate bedrooms. He's dull. She's passive. She makes him the same eggs and bacon for breakfast EVERY morning. He watches golf. She reads. They hardly ever talk and NEVER touch. Everyday is Groundhog Day for this distant couple until the loneliness gets to be too much for Kay.
Without giving the movie away I will share my thoughts as I sat through this film. My judgement is that Hollywood actually did it's homework and provided the viewer with a authentic view of what myself and colleagues "REALLY" see in our offices. Your not going to walk away with a "cheesy" and false interpetation of what couples therapy is all about. I was most impressed with how their therapist used soft and direct confrintation in session to allow this couple to look in the mirror at what they both were doing when they were at their worst. They couldn't escape his gentle, yet profound approach of asking them to change the ways in which they were approaching one another, particularly in the bedroom. Real life examples and struggles are entertainingly revealed.
All-in-all, women will probably enjoy this film more than men. Women will encourage their girlfriend to see the film, men most likely won't think twice about it. However, if you do get a male friend to see it with you, please let me know your feedback if you have a moment to do so. There is a lot to take and digest from experiencing how Hollywood has changed it's perspective on couples counseling.
Happy Viewing!
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