Amy Heckerling Clueless

A detailed Summary of Amy Heckerling Clueless

"In the process of transformation, the new text becomes the excuse for someone else's vision."

It can be said that in the production of "Clueless", Amy Heckerling has used Jane Austen's "Emma" as a stimulus. However, it is evident that through her transformation of purpose, context and values that "Clueless" is a text in its own right and should not be overlooked as an insightful view into the social constructs that exist within the world today.

In analysing the purpose behind Amy Heckerling's "Clueless", one must also consider the audience, context and text type, as each is related to the other. The target audience of the text is the teenage generation. With this in mind, Heckerling has appropriated the text such that it entertains this audience while successfully communicating her views to them.

Text type is also an important component to be considered in relation to purpose. Film 'has an unspoken obligation to entertain the audience at a fast pace' . This complements the high pace of society today and therefore has the ability to 'inculcate ideas and influence thinking' . If part of the purpose were to communicate personal views to the audience, it is evident that in the present context, film is an appropriate me

Another aspect of the language and indeed point of view, refers to the fact that the speaker in "Emma" is omniscient, providing a running commentary on the social interactions in the novel. However, the voiceover in "Clueless" is written in first person and provides insight into Cher's thoughts only. This is perhaps to reinforce Cher's self-absorbed nature, whereas Emma has a more genuine concern for those around her and thus, a transformation has occurred.

Upon comparing and contrasting the contexts of "Emma" and "Clueless", and the transformation that has occurred, it becomes clear that even within the similar aspects of the texts, Amy Heckerling's individual approach is further reinforced. This is evident in the language chosen, recontextualisation, and the element of intertextuality that exists.

As previously discussed, the change of context was essential in communicating the relevant issues of today, however it is the impact of this change upon the values of the time and how these are reflected that shows the true genius of Heckerling's production.

A language feature common to "Clueless" is the abbreviation. It shortens the time it takes to communicate, reflecting the fast moving life that is typical of the present society. An example of this is Cher's driving instructor rejecting her driving skills, or lack there of "...as far as your concerned, I am the messiah of the DMV!". This is a stark contrast to the more formally structured style of Jane Austen's dialogue in "Emma". So much so, that the two are hardly interchangeable "...Mr. Elton was in continual raptures, and defended it through every criticism." (p.42, "Emma").

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Approximate Word count = 1496
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English