Movie Monday- Hitch

 

 

 In the romantic comedy Hitch, Will Smith stars as the professional date doctor known as “Hitch”. Hitch teaches his male clients to “catch” the girl of their dreams. Hitch developed his dating “rules” and business as a result of a failed relationship in college. The girl of his dreams breaks up with him, because he is perceived as trying too hard and being needy. Establishing the dating business is essentially a defense mechanism allowing Hitch to protect himself from suffering the hurt and vulnerability again of his college breakup. By helping people establishing relationships he is able to avoid his feelings and risk getting hurt. The movie focuses on Hitch’s experiences with his nerdy client, Albert as he teaches him to woo corporate millionaire Alegra Cole. Hitches MO (mood of operation) is to present himself as Mr. Cool J, as a front, but deep down he has the same insecurities and fears of starting a new relationship.  Hitch becomes mesmerized with gossip columnist Sara, but quickly figures out that his rules (proper body language and not trying too hard) don’t work on her. Hitch is initially unable to used his own strategies and muster up the courage to proclaim his love for Sara. In the meantime Sara uncovers that Hitch is the “date doctor” and is adamant to blow his cover because she believes he is responsible for helping a client to set up a one night stand with her friend. The news that Hitch is the “date doctor” almost also destroys the new found relationship between Albert and Alegra. Eventually he is able to reconcile with Sara and Alergra reveals the things that made her fall for Albert are not the tricks that Hitch taught Albert, but all of his own special nuances. At the conclusion of the movie, Hitch realizes that most of his clients have won their partners love on their own and not by following Hitch’s advice.

There are several lessons that can be taken from the movie. Yes, defense mechanisms can initially protect us from fear and anxiety, but in the long run they can isolate us from fully experiencing life. For example, by thrusting all of his energy into helping others meet their match Hitch, may have potentially missed out on finding a loving endearing relationship. The other lesson is to always be yourself.  Hitch learned begin to understand this when he figured out Algera fell for the “real” Alex, not by following the rules Hitch had taught him. Go forth, be you and let down your guard!
 
Carpe Diem,

 

Dream Coach, LT. Valerie R. Vestal