Legally Blonde

A trailer of the film Legally Blonde

Legally Blonde is an American Comedy Film from 2001. To begin, the film follows the life of Elle Woods, a fashion merchandising student. After being broken up with because she wasn't "serious enough" and would detract from her boyfriend's image, Elle decides to attend Harvard Law School. After struggling to fit in and be accepted into a new world, Elle eventually rises as a successful Lawyer who ends up happy in the end of the film. As a result, this film follows the general guidelines of what is defined as a comedy. However, Legally Blonde is not only one and a half hour of laughs, but a challenge to stereotypes and labels in society. 

For starters, Elle is introduced to the audience as what someone would immediately label a "sorority girl" and a "blonde." These stereotypes are often used in film and television to create comedy. She immediately begins to challenge these stereotypes when pursuing Law. "Blondes" are depicted as unintelligent or simpleminded. Elle's studying and academic characteristics oppose these assumptions. Once Elle has been accepted into Harvard Law School after relentless work and dedication, the comedy continues. She walks in dressed in all pink with a "SoCal" vernacular. With little hesitation, students and professors at Harvard begin to comment and ridicule her appearance. Not only is emphasis put on the labels Elle embodies, but a new set of stereotypes are introduced, East Coast, Harvard graduates. This contrast between the characters produces comedic moments as they clash.

Eventually, Elle is able to establish herself and reach success. Her dedication to education and her career challenge the stereotypes society often laughs at. She gains respect and confidence in herself in comparison to the beginning when she is left heartbroken and alone. While Elle may be an extreme depiction of labels like "blonde" and "sorority girl," the film uses comedy to introduce them and to tell society to stop pushing individuals into these categories and to break away from the habit of judging those who step outside of what is considered normal. Legally Blonde may be a comedy detailing the life of Elle Woods from "blonde" to a Lawyer, but it continues to highlight and propose possible solutions to society's judgments by just being yourself.