Clueless

Clueless

Clueless, Written and Directed by Amy Heckerling. Released July 21, 1995. Distributed by Paramount Pictures.

Plot Summary:

Heckerling’s Clueless is an update of Jane Austen’s Emma. The main character is named Cher, an affluent teenage girl growing up in Beverly Hills. She attends high school with her best friend Dionne. The girls are both rich, popular, and beautiful. They attend a high school that has a caste system that’s described in detail. Cher’s ex-stepbrother, Josh, moves in with Cher and her dad while he helps on an important legal case. When a new girl, Tai, moves into town, Cher and Dionne give her a makeover so that she fits in with the popular crowd. Through their high school trials and tribulations, the girls learn about love and friendship.

Critical Evaluation:

The update of Emma is cleverly done. Each character in the movie corresponds to a character in the novel. The acting is wonderful, as is the writing by Amy Heckerling. The movie has left a cultural legacy and contributed many catchphrases into the vernacular. By moving Cher from a materialistic Beverly Hills princess to an understanding, kind, and responsible young woman throughout the film, Heckerling has created a new classic coming of age story.

Information about the Director:

From the author’s imdb page:

Amy Heckerling studied Film and TV at New York University and got a Masters Degree in Film from The American Film Institute. Despite this education she couldn't get a break in Hollywood. However, in 1982, she made Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982), and people started to take notice. In 1987, while Amy was pregnant, she got the idea for Look Who's Talking (1989). In 1994, Amy wrote Clueless (1995). Amy is a liberal and also an environmentalist and helps environmental charities whenever she can.

Curriculum Ties:

Classic literature (Emma)

Challenge Issues:

Sex, drugs, teen partying

Creating a Defense:

• Make sure you have thorough knowledge of the library’s selection policy as well as a copy on hand. Your insight as well as pointing out specific portions of the policy will be helpful in discussion with the patron.
• Always have the library Bill of Rights close to show the patron your library’s commitment to providing all kinds of information.
• Have some reveiws on hand, both good and bad, from respected sources like YALSA or Amazon so both you and the patron can gain an understanding of both sides of the issue.
• Make sure you’re familiar with the books that might be challenged. Be prepared to discuss the book’s intended audience, its educational significance, purpose, and also some alternative titles to read.
• Don’t get defensive. The librarian can’t take the challenge personally and either party getting upset will cause the discussion to devolve into a fight.
• LISTEN. Even if you don’t agree with the patron, their views are as valid as yours and should be respected.

Rating:

PG-13

Why is the material included?:

I’ve seen this movie a million times. It’s such a great story and relates back to great literature.

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