Arrival

“Language is the foundation of civilization. It is the glue that holds a people together. It is the first weapon drawn in a conflict.” In Dr. Louise Bank’s quote, she uses the term “language” but the quote would stand equally true if she substituted in the word “communication”. Very few films capture the complicated nature of communication like the movie “Arrival”. It showcases human interaction at its best, at its worst, and the repercussions it can have worldwide. The film is about the world’s response to twelve alien spaceships landing on earth at seemingly random locations. As the film progressed, the nation’s of the world grew increasingly more tense because of the ambiguity of the alien’s motives. Just as the world reaches global anarchy,

A large part of the film has less to do with the communication with the aliens and more to do with the communication that took place between nations. Because of cultural differences and outright fear, communication between nations broke down. This film speaks volume about the modern global political climate where nationalism and anti-globalism are on the rise. It serves a gentle reminder that in many cases, humanity can be its own worst enemy. The film ends on a hopeful note, however, as it shows the potential for the good humanity can achieve when cultural differences are set aside. In the movie “Arrival,” cross-cultural communication does more than establish a baseless conflict, it goes further by illustrating contemporary dilemmas in global communication that directly impact society. It does so by showcasing relevant theories and concepts and applies them throughout the

This is where the film brings the concept of power distance into discussion. Power distance is defined as how much a certain culture appreciates a social hierarchy. In other words, how much a certain group likes to be told what to do. (Madlock.) In the case of “Arrival” there is a wide spectrum of differing opinions on power. In the film, the U.S. Military would be an example of a culture with a high power distance. Colonel Weber reinforces this statement when he says, “Everything you do I have to explain to a room full of people who are holding me responsible.” Dr. Banks would be an example of someone with a lower power distance. In a room full of her superiors, she would often voice her concerns in a loud and firm voice, something members of a high power distance culture would find unacceptable. “In low power distance cultures people in lower power positions are more likely to believe that they should have voice in decision processes, or at least more than that would be the case in high power distance cultures.” (Madlock.) By illustrating different cultural views of power, the film not only sets up conflict in the film, but also provides meaningful insight into the different cultural perspectives of