The movie At First Sight (1998) illustrates very well the difficulties of overcoming resistance to change and can be an effective and fun way to dialogue about change and transition. Starring Val Kilmer, At First Sight is the story of a blind man, Virgil, who has the chance to reverse the condition causing his blindness. It is based on the true story “To See and Not See” by Dr. Oliver Sacks, recounting the experiences of Shirl and Barbara Jennings. If you do not have time to view the entire film with your group or team, two brief clips provide numerous insights and examples of resistance to change.

In the first clip (0h:50m:00s — 0h:54m:00s), Virgil’s girlfriend Amy (Mira Sorvino), let’s him know that she has contacted a doctor who is interested in his condition. He reacts very negatively, and Amy seeks an explanation from Virgil’s sister, Jennie (Kelly McGillis), with whom Virgil lives. Most of the reasons people resist change come through in the dialogue:

1. People resist change because they have the perception that something of value will be lost: Jennie says that she and Virgil are happy and that they have everything they need.
2. People resist change because they have a misunderstanding and lack of trust about the reasons or results. Jennie explains to Amy that they tried many remedies and went through every test when Virgil was young and were dissappointed every time.
3. People resist change because they believe that the costs outweigh benefits. Jennie says she doesn’t understand why someone would want to go through a painful operation when the results are uncertain and unknown.
4. People resist change because they have a general lack of tolerance for change. Jennie and Virgil have routines that have taken a long time to establish, and it is those routines that have kept them comfortable and helped them overcome the challenges of Virgil’s blindness.

Virgil ends up deciding to proceed with the operation, and in the second clip (1h:04m:25s through 1h:09m:55s), his bandages are removed from his eyes. The film’s makers offer some cinematographic effects to show what it might be like for Virgil to see images for the first time. It makes very apparent the pain and difficulty he has to process signals his brain is not accustomed to receiving. The scene also demonstrates how confusing and complex such a dramatic change — a life change — is going to be for all concerned. Despite the resistance and difficulty deciding to change that we see in the first clip — that decision to initiate the change is the easier part; the transition and adjustment to a changed way of life is even harder.

At the end of the movie, Virgil’s blindness returns, but he is not bitter or saddened. He echoes Plato’s writing on seeking to better society when he says “I saw the horizon, and even though I may never be able to touch it, it’s worth reaching for.”

At First Sight, 1998. Directed by Irwin Winkler, screen play by Steve Levitt.

[Monika Byrd, August 2005]

Questions or Comments about Phi Theta Kappa Leadership Briefs may be directed to Monika Byrd, Director of Leadership Development Programs.