Clueless

a kate west favorite








Clueless is a delightfully perfect modern adaptation of Jane Austen's "Emma". Alicia Silverstone is Cher (yes, after the pop singer icon), a sweet spacey high schooler who loves to play matchmaker, just like the classic character Emma. Her latest project is Tai (a young Brittany Murphy), whose clueless fashion begs for a makeover and Cher is only too happy to oblige. Besides setting up teachers with each other and gaining some homework-free days for everyone, she spreads joy by being helpful, despite her sometimes-clumsy meddlesome approach. She does mature in the course of the film of course, and learns to be truly unselfish. She is then rewarded with a love of her own. Aw.

Director/Writer Amy Heckerling created a fun flick, and a pretty brilliantly current and accessible way to bring Jane Austen to the masses. The characters are, for the most part, fairly harmless and often charming. The dialogue is upbeat and trendy, yet still holds its own years later upon repeated viewings. Also, it may inspire you to read the original, which is more than our favorite John Hughes movies accomplished. Hopefully.


Directed by:
Amy Heckerling

Written by:
Amy Heckerling

Cast:
Alicia Silverstone ... Cher Horowitz
Stacey Dash ... Dionne
Brittany Murphy ... Tai
Paul Rudd ... Josh
Donald Faison ... Murray
Elisa Donovan ... Amber
Breckin Meyer ... Travis
Jeremy Sisto ... Elton
Dan Hedaya ... Mel Horowitz
Wallace Shawn ... Mr. Wendell Hall
Twink Caplan ... Miss Toby Geist
Justin Walker ... Christian

For whatever reason, "Clueless" is currently unavailable on Amazon, but you can re-read Austen (below).

Austen's Works:
The Complete Novels of Jane Austen (Wordsworth Special Editions) (Special Editions)

My Generation of Teens:
Brat Pack Collection (The Breakfast Club/ Sixteen Candles/ Weird Science)