Emma Amy Heckerling Clueless Analysis
Transformations often involve using the same storyline of a text and changing its context in order to suit the environment, culture or society. In terms of highlighting the themes in a transformed text, it also indicates that the issues that were apparent in the past are still relevant to the current society. The director of the film “Clueless”, Amy Heckerling, has accomplished this through convenient transformation of Jane Austen’s novel “Emma”. Heckerling has supported Austen’s novel in a positive way, however has altered the values seen in Austen’s period to fit modern audiences. The themes of “Clueless” show the context of “Emma” in a contemporary period, converting the text to a well-known high school society in Beverly Hills. Amy Heckerling’s production of “Clueless” presented in 1995 expresses the typical parallels between features, characters and values of the novel “Emma”. In relation to the re-plotting of the text, Heckerling successfully substitutes the values regarding social class, manners, formal conversation and importance of self-image of the novel “Emma”, into another world of social
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interactions and popularity in a high school environment.
Through the representation of values that is characterized by the protagonist, the composers portray a significant visual image to emphasize the theme of self awareness. This is expressed in the opening paragraph of “Emma”, where Jane Austen has employed descriptive techniques using adjectives like “handsome, clever and rich, with comfortable home and happy disposition” and “most affectionate, indulgent father” to give the reader and understanding of the position that the protagonists has in that society. This can be paralleled with the film “Clueless” as it begins with fast paced rock-style music to involve the viewers of modern culture. The use of color imagery “Bright blue, green, yellow, red and orange” suggests the excitement and lively atmosphere the film presents. The protagonist, “Cher”, interrupts the music of the opening scene and says; “I actually have a way normal life for a teenage girl”
The use of irony used by the protagonist, “Cher” is rather mismatched and clearly portrayed at the beginning of the film. It can be seen by her attitude, actions and the use of computer for her selection of clothes. We can see the difference between “Cher” and “Emma” based on the influence the society values. From this transformation of the features of the characters, it allows us to see the parallels between the two texts.
Both texts have similarities in their plot. The protagonists “Cher” and “Emma” have a high profile and female status in their respective society. Their main interest is in being a matchmaker. This leads to their snobbish attitude towards Tai and Harriet Smith who belong to the lower social class. In “Emma”, the portrait that the protagonist paints of Harriet “Symbolizes” “Emma’s” unspoken opinion when Mr. Knightley points out the portrait is “Too Tall”. Additionally, “Emma” is unaware that Mr. Elton is in fact, undertaking the framing of Harriet’s portrait because he has an interest in “Emma”. This same situation is paralleled in “Clueless” as Cher endeavors to improve Tai’s image physically and mentally. The “panning shot” and “Montage” technique applied on Tai as Cher applies her make-over, suggests that the protagonists is self centered, snobby and has a lack of awareness. The photograph of Tai is symbolic of “Cher’s” cluelessness. She believed that Harriet appealed to Elton since he hung the photo in his locker. However, Elton’s intention was to get closer to “Cher” instead of wanting to pay attention to Harriet. The characteristics and features convey the transformation from a history plot, into a contemporary modern culture, by expressing the same theme in an inherent alteration of perspective.
A more dynamic perspective allows modern readers to engage in situation, scene and events taking place. The first person narrative is an adaptation of the story telling technique from “Emma”. It efficiently conveys the emotions of the character in her environment. Additionally, utilizing satirical tones in both texts is the main focus, however from different aspects. Each writer demonstrates the lack of awareness and responsibilities shown by the protagonists. “Emma” is introduced as having “very little to distress or vex her” whereas in “Clueless, Cher’s personality is demonstrated in her wealth, appearance and the technology she utilizes. The protagonists that are portrayed in these exceptional high standard societies are significant in allowing the audiences to understand the parallels and transformation that takes place in both texts.
The language expressions allow a greater understanding in the writer’s motive in writing the novel “Emma”. Formal dialogues and language employed in the novel presents “Emma’s” characteristics in her period of time. It enables the reader to relate strongly to the text. The quote from “Emma”, “my dear”, suggests the general conversation that is commonly used in the early 18th century. This parallels to “Clueless” where “Cher” is being portrayed through her appearance in regard to fashion, clothing and jewelry, as she tries to become attractive and popular in her contemporary culture. The satire used in these aspects allows a greater access to these ideas to today’s generation. It shows the change from Austen’s novel “Emma” to Amy Heckerling’s re-modified film, “Clueless”.
The writers impose a significant epiphany into the protagonists to emphasize a particular perspective.
In “Emma”, the use of the rhetorical question “Could it be?” suggests the character’s sudden realization and perception. Additionally, ot ex[resses “Emma’s” concern and anxiety towards Knightley when she feared that he might be interested in Harriet. This however, is equivalent in contrasting with “Clueless” as the epiphany is portrayed through the “Fountain” scene in relations with “bright lights” and “trumpet fanfare”. Utilizing this hyperbole technique symbolizes Cher’s moment of recognition when she realizes her feelings for Josh. She articulates this through the voiceover “I love Josh”, drawing the audience’s attention. This intrinsic viewpoint of film presentation enables viewers in modern society to grasp the theme transformed from Jane Austen’s novel
“Emma”.
Through the alteration between the linking texts in “Emma” and “Clueless”, the composer, Amy Heckerling employs the core themes from Jane Austen’s novel “Emma”, as the main focus in structuring the film and changing the way of expression. This provides the audiences of “Clueless” with a greater interest in watching the visual text. The viewer is able to recognize the similarities and differences that take place in both entertainment forms. It indicates that the issues that were apparent in the past are still relevant in current society. Therefore, it clearly shows the director of “Clueless”, Amy Heckerling has successfully transformed Jane Austen’s novel “Emma”.
interactions and popularity in a high school environment.
Through the representation of values that is characterized by the protagonist, the composers portray a significant visual image to emphasize the theme of self awareness. This is expressed in the opening paragraph of “Emma”, where Jane Austen has employed descriptive techniques using adjectives like “handsome, clever and rich, with comfortable home and happy disposition” and “most affectionate, indulgent father” to give the reader and understanding of the position that the protagonists has in that society. This can be paralleled with the film “Clueless” as it begins with fast paced rock-style music to involve the viewers of modern culture. The use of color imagery “Bright blue, green, yellow, red and orange” suggests the excitement and lively atmosphere the film presents. The protagonist, “Cher”, interrupts the music of the opening scene and says; “I actually have a way normal life for a teenage girl”
The use of irony used by the protagonist, “Cher” is rather mismatched and clearly portrayed at the beginning of the film. It can be seen by her attitude, actions and the use of computer for her selection of clothes. We can see the difference between “Cher” and “Emma” based on the influence the society values. From this transformation of the features of the characters, it allows us to see the parallels between the two texts.
Both texts have similarities in their plot. The protagonists “Cher” and “Emma” have a high profile and female status in their respective society. Their main interest is in being a matchmaker. This leads to their snobbish attitude towards Tai and Harriet Smith who belong to the lower social class. In “Emma”, the portrait that the protagonist paints of Harriet “Symbolizes” “Emma’s” unspoken opinion when Mr. Knightley points out the portrait is “Too Tall”. Additionally, “Emma” is unaware that Mr. Elton is in fact, undertaking the framing of Harriet’s portrait because he has an interest in “Emma”. This same situation is paralleled in “Clueless” as Cher endeavors to improve Tai’s image physically and mentally. The “panning shot” and “Montage” technique applied on Tai as Cher applies her make-over, suggests that the protagonists is self centered, snobby and has a lack of awareness. The photograph of Tai is symbolic of “Cher’s” cluelessness. She believed that Harriet appealed to Elton since he hung the photo in his locker. However, Elton’s intention was to get closer to “Cher” instead of wanting to pay attention to Harriet. The characteristics and features convey the transformation from a history plot, into a contemporary modern culture, by expressing the same theme in an inherent alteration of perspective.
A more dynamic perspective allows modern readers to engage in situation, scene and events taking place. The first person narrative is an adaptation of the story telling technique from “Emma”. It efficiently conveys the emotions of the character in her environment. Additionally, utilizing satirical tones in both texts is the main focus, however from different aspects. Each writer demonstrates the lack of awareness and responsibilities shown by the protagonists. “Emma” is introduced as having “very little to distress or vex her” whereas in “Clueless, Cher’s personality is demonstrated in her wealth, appearance and the technology she utilizes. The protagonists that are portrayed in these exceptional high standard societies are significant in allowing the audiences to understand the parallels and transformation that takes place in both texts.
The language expressions allow a greater understanding in the writer’s motive in writing the novel “Emma”. Formal dialogues and language employed in the novel presents “Emma’s” characteristics in her period of time. It enables the reader to relate strongly to the text. The quote from “Emma”, “my dear”, suggests the general conversation that is commonly used in the early 18th century. This parallels to “Clueless” where “Cher” is being portrayed through her appearance in regard to fashion, clothing and jewelry, as she tries to become attractive and popular in her contemporary culture. The satire used in these aspects allows a greater access to these ideas to today’s generation. It shows the change from Austen’s novel “Emma” to Amy Heckerling’s re-modified film, “Clueless”.
The writers impose a significant epiphany into the protagonists to emphasize a particular perspective.
In “Emma”, the use of the rhetorical question “Could it be?” suggests the character’s sudden realization and perception. Additionally, ot ex[resses “Emma’s” concern and anxiety towards Knightley when she feared that he might be interested in Harriet. This however, is equivalent in contrasting with “Clueless” as the epiphany is portrayed through the “Fountain” scene in relations with “bright lights” and “trumpet fanfare”. Utilizing this hyperbole technique symbolizes Cher’s moment of recognition when she realizes her feelings for Josh. She articulates this through the voiceover “I love Josh”, drawing the audience’s attention. This intrinsic viewpoint of film presentation enables viewers in modern society to grasp the theme transformed from Jane Austen’s novel
“Emma”.
Through the alteration between the linking texts in “Emma” and “Clueless”, the composer, Amy Heckerling employs the core themes from Jane Austen’s novel “Emma”, as the main focus in structuring the film and changing the way of expression. This provides the audiences of “Clueless” with a greater interest in watching the visual text. The viewer is able to recognize the similarities and differences that take place in both entertainment forms. It indicates that the issues that were apparent in the past are still relevant in current society. Therefore, it clearly shows the director of “Clueless”, Amy Heckerling has successfully transformed Jane Austen’s novel “Emma”.