Remote Desktop Viewer Desktop Control Issue

I'm connecting to another computer over the local network and the connection is established just fine without issue, the preferences are set to allow the remote computer to control the machine, I can visibly see what appears to be the computer I'm connecting to's desktop. Now I can move the mouse however when I click a drop down menu or icon nothing happens in the remote viewer window however if I walk into the other room I can clearer see that it has indeed opened the menu. I've connected and disconnected enough to realize that upon connecting the remote computer receives a screen shot if you will of the other desktop but that screen shot is not interactive. Is there a reason for this? surely it was not designed with this in mind as it would be completely useless to try to control a desktop remotely.

I've also tried it reversed and the same issue occurs, any help would be appreciated