UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA (UiTM)

SARAWAK BRANCH

FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND

MANAGEMENT

DIPLOMA IN OFFICE TECHNOLOGY

MANAGEMENT
(BA132 2B)

COMMUNICATION FOR OFFICE

PROFESSIONALS
(OBM210)

INDIVIDUAL ASSIGBMENT
MOVIE REVIEW ASSIGNMENTS

NAME OF THE MOVIE:

ALL THE BRIGHT PLACES

LECTURER NAME:
MADAM SUSANA WILLIAM JALIL

Prepared by:

NAME STUDENT ID

NUR ALIA QISTINA BINTI MOHAMMAD AZIZAN 2023476974

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TABLE OF CONTENT
Descriptions Pages

1.0 SYNOPSIS OF THE MOVIE 3

2.0 MESSAGES FROM THE MOVIE 4

3.0 COMMENTS ON THE MOVIE 5

4.0 CONNECTION WITH INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION 6-7

5.0 REFERENCES (APA STYLES) 8

6.0 APPENDICES 9-10

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1.0 SYNOPSIS OF THE MOVIE
MOVIE TITLE: ALL THE BRIGHT PLACES

“All the Bright Places “is a 2020 American teen romantic drama film directed by Brett
Haley, based on the novel of the same name by Jennifer Niven. It is based on the author’s
personal story. The main character in this film was played by Elle Fanning as Violet Markey
and Justice Smith as Theodore Finch. This film is a beautiful and emotional story because it
deals with issues of teenager love, sadness and mental health.

Theodore Finch and Violet Markey are two high school students who are both facing
the same emotional pain. Violet is in grief after her sister, Eleanor died in a car crash. She
finds it difficult to move forward as she has given up her old interests. Meanwhile, Finch, got
called “the freak” by other kids at school. He struggled with mental illness of his own and
suffers from serious mood swings and thoughts of suicide.

They met on a bridge where Finch out for a run and suddenly he noticed Violet standing
on the edge of a bridge and thinking about taking her own life. It was the day of Eleanor’s
birthday. He talked her down and that is how they knew each other. When they got paired
together for a geography project that needs them to do research the natural wonders of their
state, Indiana. They feel inspired by this plan to spend time together and travel, which turns
into a healing experience for both of them.

As they travelled together, Finch helped Violet to find happiness again in life and she
finally starts to get over her loss. At the same time, they fell in love but Finch still has mental
health problems of his own which he hides from Violet and other people. Although they have
gotten closer, Violet noticed that Finch’s stranger behavior. Sometimes he disappeared for
days but always comes back. The second time he disappeared, Violet looked for him when
he does not come back for days out of worry. Sadly, Finch eventually loses control over his
mental health and took his own life by drowning himself at the lake.

At the end, Violet with Finch’s death. She visited the locations they had explored
together and read a note that he left behind. By doing this, she takes Finch’s memory forward
and helps her recovery process by remembering him and the effect he had on her life.

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2.0 MESSAGES FROM THE MOVIE

“All the Bright Places” is a film that have several messages and themes. One of the
best messages that I have found in the movie is finding hope and healing. This movie shows
that even after a biggest loss we ever had, we will find the hope that we wanted at the end.
For example, Violet can get over her loss because of she met Finch and they explored the
town together as she opened her heart. The journeys that Violet and Finch take became into
precious memories which help in dealing her trauma and finding hope for herself.

Another messages that I found is the importance of love and support. The movie shows
that people can overcome their worries and difficulties with the love and support of others. For
example, Finch told Violet the reasons he can do anything to show how her support and
presence give him with the strength to deal with his own mental health. Their support can be
a reason for somebody to live their live freely.

The movie also gives the how to understand mental health. It shows people needs to
take mental health as a serious issue because people often forget the small details until it kills
part of them. For example, during a deep depression episode, Finch appears sitting in his
bathtub, fully dressed and filled with the feeling of helpless. Then, he tells Violet about feeling
like there is a black hole inside of him.

Also, this movie gives us about self-worth and acceptance. The movie shows that if we
view things differently, even the difficult situations or realities can have a positive side. For
example, in the movie where Finch and Violet were sitting in his room. Then He shows her the
wall he has written with positive quotes and messages that inspired him. “You are all the colors
in one, at full brightness,” is an appreciated phrase. With that, Violet felt more seen and valued
by everyone around her.

Lastly, the messages that I found is dealing with loss. The movie shows that the first
steps to be dealing with loss is to open up a little bit because we can not avoid the problem
forever. For example, Finch took violet to the memorial site. At first, Violet is uncomfortable
and frustrated but Finch kindly encourages her to go to the location where her sister passed
away. As they sit down together, Violet is able to talk to Finch about her sister and her feelings.

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3.0 COMMENTS ON THE MOVIE

The film “All the Bright Places” which was directed by Brett Haley and was inspired by
Jennifer Niven’s novel, is a fascinating exploration of trauma, mental health, and the
importance of human connection. Ellen Fanning as Violet Markey and Justice Smith as
Theodore Finch both give powerful and emotional performances. They give their characters
an interesting dimension that effectively presents the difficulties of teenage love and the battle
with mental health issues. Their relationship is more natural because of their strong chemistry.

Next, this film sensitively and carefully explores important topics including depression,
grief, and suicide. It causes reactions from viewers since it does not hold back when
presenting the honest and painful truths of these problems. The movie shows the importance
of understanding and empathy are when dealing with mental health issues. It aims to increase
awareness and sympathy for mental health concerns as well as the important consequences
of loss and grief. Through emphasizing the value of connections and support relationships,
the film invites audiences to understand the need of kindness, empathy and asking for help
when needed.

The film is a masterpiece of its own cinematography. The contrast between the
individuals’ internal conflict and the breathtaking scenery of Indiana is beautifully captured in
the film’s photography. A dimension of visual poetry is added to the storyline and the film’s
emotional tone is enhanced by making use of natural destinations. The film presents an
emotionally stirring and visually fascinating experience that enhances the meaning of the story
and the characters’ experiences. This intentional use of visuals helps in drawing audiences
into the film’s universe and enhancing the impact and emotion of its exploration of mental
health and recovery.

“All the Bright Places” makes a lasting impact and encourages discussions about
mental health and the value of support systems. It is a movie that speaks to you personally
and has the power to raise awareness and empathy. It teaches how to deal with mental health
issues in a healthy way. Finch who suffers from bipolar disorder, provides an involved image
of a mental disease. The movie highlights the difficulties related to mood disorders, such as
the manic and depressed phases that Finch goes through.

Finally, this film is worth watching especially for people who suffers from any mental
health issues. Also, the film seeks to make an impression that lasts and to promote feelings
of compassion and empathy. It sure gives a lot of advices to confront people you know with
gentleness.

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4.0 CONNECTION WITH INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

4.1 FOUNDATION IN INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

The film “All the Bright Places” explores the topic of the physical dimension in
elements of interpersonal communication. During their wanderings, Finch took Violet on an
old, abandoned roller coaster with the goal of helping her face her fears and discover the
excitement of life. Together, the two characters face their fears and enjoy new things in the
shared space that is the roller coaster. Warm and connected eye contact proves their
relationship is growing stronger. This scene perfectly captures the significance of
interpersonal communication's physical dimension in Violet and Finch's relationship
development. A deep emotional connection is created by meaningful eye contact, supportive
body language, expressive facial gestures, and physical closeness. (Refers figure 1)

4.2 CULTURAL AND INTERPERSONAL COMMUNCATION

Throughout the film All the Bright Places, Violet finds it difficult to express her true
feelings, especially when it comes to her grief and difficulties with emotion after a terrible
incident. She and Finch are becoming closer, but fear and insecurity prevent her from opening
up to him entirely most of the time. Her hesitation to share her deepest thoughts and emotions
with others represents restraint in interpersonal communication. In order to connect with Finch
on a deeper emotional level, Violet must overcome this barrier and learn to be open with him.
It is a perfect example of restraint in interpersonal communications. (Refers figure 2)

4.3 PERCEPTION OF THE SELF AND OTHERS

“All the Bright Places” explores into the topic of perceptions of ourselves and others.
Violet and Finch first interact in the film, standing on the bridge. Although both characters are
thinking about ending their lives, their opinions of one another change as they interact. Violet
first views Finch as a troubled outsider, but Finch sees Violet as a girl who needs to be saved.
It shows how first impressions may be wrong for them to grow their relationship. Each pf the
characters has a negative first impressions of themselves. While Finch sees himself as a freak
who is suffering with mental health problems, Violet sees herself as hurt and unable to move
over the death of her sister. Their journey together begins with this meeting and They begin
to understand one other for more than just sadness and create a bond based on support and
understanding. (Refers figure 3)

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4.4 VERBAL MESSAGES
In the moment, there are tense and difficult moments between Violet and Finch as his
mental health issues worsen. Finch grows distant and upset, which causes a heated argument
with Violet. Then they make up through open communication, in which Violet shares her
worries and Finch shares his feelings as well. His disagreement and the healing process that
followed show how important communication is to clear up mistakes and emotional
misunderstandings. Verbal messages are necessary to express feelings, look for
understanding, and get back to trust. This scene shows how verbal messages in interpersonal
communication has on relationships, mental health, and personal development. (Refers
figure 4)

4.7 CONVERSATIONAL MESSAGES

Violet finds a letter Finch wrote to her after his passing. This dedicated letter, which
reveals Finch's love and thoughts to Violet, is his last message to her. Finch explains his
feelings for Violet and the influence she had on his life in the letter. This touching encounter
gives Violet some closure and helps her understand Finch's struggles and his deep feelings
for her. This letter, which gives Violet comfort and understanding, is Finch's last attempts at
connect with one another. Finch's thoughts continue to have a positive impact on Violet's life
long after he is gone, this scene highlights the power of conversational messages in
interpersonal communication. It shows how enduring messages of love, support, and support
can get people through hard times. (Refers figure 5)

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5.0 REFERENCES

All the Bright Places (film). (2024, March 23). Wikipedia.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_the_Bright_Places_(film)

Flores, J. (2020, March 18). Jennifer Niven: The All the Bright Places Film and Beyond.
https://germmagazine.com/jennifer-niven-the-all-the-bright-places-film-and-beyond/

Howard, C. (2020, February 28). Variety. Variety. https://variety.com/2020/film/reviews/all-

the-bright-places-review-1203518263/

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6.0 APPENDICES

FIGURE 1

FIGURE 2

FIGURE 3

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FIGURE 4

FIGURE 5

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