The movie Clueless, at first glance, appears to be an array of first-world problems mashed up into one hour and a half long story. The main character, Cher, faces a series of occasionally over-dramatized setbacks with some jokes added for comedic effect, and in the end finds love with a boy she despised at the beginning of the film.
Upon closer inspection, however, Clueless has several examples of feminist undertones which can be observed throughout the movie, which itself is an unapologetic display of feminism through three female friends obsessed with clothes, makeup, shopping, and boys- stereotypical "girly" interests. Cher is unafraid to say no when her suspiciously touchy guy friend (Elton) tried to force himself on her. She, Dionne, and Tai had a straightforward, judgement-free conversation about sex, with no shame or stigma surrounding those who have had sex or those who have not. Cher's character development is most evident when she uses her popularity for good by helping out a disaster relief fund near the end of the movie.
The feminism in Clueless is surprisingly quite ahead of its time. Cher and her friends have "girly" interests, yet they are proud of it and their individual character growth by the end of the movie does not affect these interests in the slightest. The film's display of female friendship is quite ahead of its time. It is pictured as effortless, in how Cher easily incorporates Tai into her friendship with Dionne; trustworthy, based on the previously mentioned conversation about sex; and strong, because of Cher and Tai's heart-felt make-up. Clueless is a representation of female friendship and everyday life that is rare to see today. It is genuine, though sometimes over-exaggerated, and does not use femininity as a punch line.
"It is genuine, though sometimes over-exaggerated, and does not use femininity as a punch line." and therefore is not a comedy? Comedy doesn't have to be meaningful and therefore other forms can be meaningful? Would you define Clueless as a comedy? I would not because the characters don't really rise in position. Instead Clueless seems to me more like a story of acceptance.
ReplyDeleteWhen I said comedy I meant Aristotelian comedy.
DeleteThe fact that this movie is about addressing sex is a comedic way is not surprising. What is surprising is the fact that it tells the public that people do talk about sex without judgement. I think that is very cool.
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