In the early 1990s, thanks to Aerosmith clips, Alicia Silverstone became one of the most recognizable and popular faces in the world. Roughly around the same time, Jane Austen's fiction experienced a surge in popularity unlike any other in its two-century existence. These phenomena were accompanied by Hollywood producers' discovery that audiences enjoyed films and TV shows set in the fairytale world of Beverly Hills youth. Clueless, a 1995 teen comedy written and directed by Amy Heckerling, capitalized on all these trends.
Loosely based on Jane Austen's novel Emma, the plot unfolds in modern-day Beverly Hills, following the lives of the teenage children of the rich and famous. The film's protagonist, Cher (portrayed by Alicia Silverstone), is a 16-year-old daughter of a successful and wealthy lawyer, Mel Horowitz (played by Dan Hedaya). Cher and her best friend, Dionne Marie Davenport (played by Stacey Dash), reign as the most popular girls in their local high school. When a new student, Tai Fraser (played by Brittany Murphy), challenges the status quo, Cher and Dionne take it upon themselves to make her popular. Cher also dabbles in matchmaking, unaware that she may need some matchmaking herself.
In a decade filled with cynicism and misanthropy in films, Clueless offers a refreshing escape into a safe, worry-free, idyllic PG-13 world. The film avoids the typical teenage social pathologies like drugs, alcohol, and irresponsible behavior, instead focusing on Cher's amusing observations of her own lifestyle. Amy Heckerling directs character-driven vignettes that flow naturally, with Alicia Silverstone delivering a standout performance alongside a talented cast that includes Wallace Shawn. While Clueless may not be a groundbreaking film, it still manages to entertain viewers.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Clueless is how it reflects the changes in the world since its release. Alicia Silverstone, once a prominent star, has faded from the spotlight, while Brittany Murphy became a recognizable face in Hollywood. The film's depiction of students using mobile phones in the schoolyard as a symbol of wealth in 1995 highlights how technology has advanced and become more accessible over the years.
Rating: 5/10 (++)
Note: This review was originally posted in the Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.movies.reviews on January 28th, 2003.
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