Self-Concept And Interpersonal Communication In The Movie Goodfellas

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Communication is an important element in video analysis. Ideally, a careful analysis of the different characters in the scene and their role in enhancing interpersonal communication is much more important. In consideration of this concept the underlying principles of interpersonal communication, there is a need to assess its applicability in the movie; Goodfellas. The three-minute scene titled, "I'm funny how, I mean funny like I'm a clown" is a reflection of how self-concept, perception, and non-verbal communication work together in the context of dyadic communication. In this first sequence of the scene, the focus is on the display of self-concept by Tommy DeVito, the ill-tempered enforcer of the Cicero Family. The scene starts with Tommy telling a story of shenanigans to his close associate Henry Hill and Cicero's henchmen. In the scene, Tommy DeVito …show more content…

He is boisterous and loud. The tone of his voice is clear and confident, and when speaking to the group, he appears to feel worthy about himself, thereby making himself at the center of attention. According to Adler and Proctor, "People who feel good about themselves have positive expectation about themselves have positive expectations about how they will communicate." This is absolutely true in this particular scene, as we see evidence of Tommy's audience enjoying themselves through his funny banter. However, despite his likable appearance and self-confidence. Tommy DeVito does show a darker side to his self-concept through social comparison of the second sequence of the scene when Sonny Bunz, owner of the Copacabana Restaurant, interrupted Tommy DeVito with a $7000.00 tab. In Tommy's