5 Films to Understand Listening and Inclusivity

Today I want to propose to you an article that is a bit unusual, more of a read that makes you think than telling you what to do. My job isn’t always about logical functions or matters of style, but it’s about understanding who I’m facing and how I can help them.

Often, I rely on straightforward interviews, maybe followed by open-ended questions that I propose to the client to clarify the key points of their project… well, it also serves as a guide for me.

But how do we reach our clients so deeply and manage to offer them tailor-made work? What are the right questions? or the wrong ones?

Often it’s just a matter of training and experience, often we also ask for help from those who have been doing it for a lifetime and can help us understand how to get there. But let’s never forget that there’s no universal approach, everyone is made the way they feel to be.

I’ve come to the point: everything around us teaches us, for better or for worse, how to accept or understand people.

Often a story teaches us and leaves us with something we didn’t expect. The best stories (for me) are those told in movies.

That’s why I’ve selected 5 films that, besides entertaining, offer us valuable lessons on how to better understand people and improve our approach with our clients.

Let’s always remember that we are people talking to people!

1. “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (1971)

In this film, we see how Willy Wonka actively listens to the wishes of his customers and interacts with them to create personalized sweets. His listening skills and adaptability to customers’ needs show the importance of understanding and responding to others’ needs in the context of communication and customer service. (Otherwise, the Oompa-Loompas take care of it)

2. “Edward Scissorhands” (1990)

Edward, despite his inability to speak, communicates through his gestures and actions. The interactions between Edward and other characters highlight the importance of non-verbal communication and mutual understanding. Even though different from others, Edward finds a way to emotionally connect with them, demonstrating that inclusivity goes beyond words.

3. “The Big Lebowski” (1998)

In the film, The Dude strives to understand the motivations of other characters through straightforward and direct dialogues. His interactions with others highlight the importance of active listening and empathy in the communication process. Even though they often find themselves in absurd situations, The Dude always tries to understand others’ perspectives.

4. “Amélie” (2001)

Amélie strives to improve the lives of others through small acts of kindness and inclusion. Her interactions with other characters show how communication can occur through altruistic actions and an empathetic attitude. Even though reserved, Amélie finds creative ways to connect with others and make a positive difference in their lives.

5. “Big Fish” (2003)

In the film, the stories told by Edward Bloom are a means to connect with others and celebrate the diversity of human experiences. The interactions between Edward and other characters show how storytelling can be a powerful tool for communication and mutual understanding. Even though Edward’s stories are often extravagant, they always reveal a core of emotional truth that resonates with others.

These are certainly not the only films to address these themes, and I’m aware that these films cannot be summarized in just a few lines, but I wanted to highlight only these two themes.

I would be happy to discover other titles with you.

However, I hope that in the future, during your interactions with others, you will dedicate more time to listening rather than focusing solely on your opinions, remembering that your interlocutors already know that you are working for their good.

Empathy and inclusivity, as these films have shown us, are essential for building meaningful connections and creating experiences that resonate with everyone.