BOC Week 3: Deeper meaning of movie, "Swingers"

            On the surface, the movie "Swingers" appears to be a romantic comedy about a struggling comedian in Los Angeles who just isn't that funny since he left his girlfriend back home. From the very beginning we can see how upset and distracted by this girl he is and how he can't move on with his life because of it. I've seen this movie before and I didn't get much out of it, however since re-watching it with my teacher's commentary, I can see the deeper meaning behind it now. While it is a romantic comedy about relationships, this movie can be viewed as an insight into networking. The main character's interactions with people are filled with uncertainty and doubt, while his friend can seem to get anything he wants because of his confidence and coolness. This shows that people will not only like you more but be more persuaded if you speak with confidence in what you're saying. An example of this is the main character's first attempt at picking up a girl versus the second attempt. During the first attempt he is filled with self doubt but somehow manages to get a girl's phone number. This achievement is quickly destroyed when he gets home and decides to call the number right away and leave her a series of awkward voice messages which ends in the girl telling him to never call her again. At the end of the movie he forgets himself and starts chatting up a good looking woman sitting at the bar. He turns into a cool and confident machine and has a great night with this girl that ends with her calling the very next day. Which goes to show that a little confidence and determination can get you anywhere, especially in regards to interviews and networking. Another example of networking in this movie is the interactions and relationships the main character has. When he is with his male friends they are usually discussing work and how their careers are going, insinuating that they are always working. On the other hand when it comes to girls they are only interested in one thing,and that's not getting connections. I think the main message of this movie is to not be distracted and taken down by little things in our lives and to have our head held high and charge in with confidence to any opportunity we see.