Abstract This paper discusses how Perre Bourdieu's concept of "distinction" (economic, social, cultural capital) complicates class in the film, ?Clueless.?
From the Paper "The term "class" carries many connotations, especially when relating it to Pierre Bourdieu's concept of distinction. Bourdieu introduces the idea of capital in relation to social, economic, and cultural class. If someone is identified as being "high class" they are generally considered to have high cultural capital, meaning that they are well educated in high cultural aspects such as music, art, or literature. But if someone is "upper class" this usually refers to his or her economic capital; this indicates that they have a good deal of money. While both of these terms use ?class,? the word has different meanings in each. Often when dealing with social structures, reference is made to a "social ladder" or certain ?social classes.? Those who distinguish themselves by this third set of "classes" possess varying degrees of the last distinction that Bourdieu describes: social capital. So, when using the word "class" at all, things become very complicated, especially when applying the word to a work, such as Amy Heckerling's 1995 film ?Clueless.? Since the word itself can include so many different associations, it is probably simpler to just discuss "Clueless" with reference to capital, since Bourdieu's distinction theory specifies the implications of each form taken by the word 'class'."
Abstract This paper compares Jane Austen's "Emma Woodhouse" and Heckerling's
"Clueless" film counterpart, Cher Horowitz. The writer explores the characters' paths to self-knowledge, how they learn from their mistakes, and how both the film and novel tackle the issues involved with class divisions. The film is loosely based on the classic novel.
From the Paper "The opening scenes of the movie and the first pages of the novel reveal a great deal about the characters and show their similarities from the start. Emma Woodhouse is a member of the rich, upscale society of a large village in nineteenth century England, while Cher Horowitz lives in a prominent, upscale home in Beverly Hills, California. In Highbury, the Woodhouses are "first in consequence there. All looked up to them (Austen, p. 7)." Cher's father's success as a litigation lawyer has brought them wealth and status in Beverley Hills."
Abstract This paper examines how although times have changed in between Jane Austen's novel "Emma" (1816) and Amy Heckerling's film "Clueless" (1995), the vales of humanity remain the same. It looks at how what has changed with the times is the attitude society has taken such values as tolerance and relationships and shows how through examination of these two main values, both composers use satire to criticize the society they live in.
From the Paper "Before the values of humanity and the composers are addressed, the way in which times have changed must first be examined. Jane Austen wrote her novel in a time of social upheaval and revolution from the Napoleonic wars and the French revolution as well as the examining of values during the Enlightenment. The Enlightenment values rationalism and empiricism, direct emotion and removal of obstacles to correct and clarify understanding. These are the values of civic humanism, which means active and patriotic citizenship as well as an ethos and educational ideal."
Abstract This paper examines how Jane Austen appears to have enjoyed a revival in contemporary cinema and how her novel "Emma" has been adapted in two different ways - "Emma" the film and "Clueless". It discusses both films and the novel upon which they are based in order to draw parallels and to determine the nature of the works in their capacity as entertainment and art.
From the Paper "The film Emma was released in 1996, with Gwyneth Paltrow and Jeremy Northam in the starring roles. It is a romantic comedy about Emma Woodhouse, a 19th century woman who attempts to play the matchmaker for her friends. She has succeeded in this by having a hand in the marriage of her governess, Anne Weston, who is played by Greta Schacchi. Her next target is Harriet Smith played by Toni Collette. In this task Emma picks various men as possible candidates for Harriet. One is Mr. Elton and the other is Frank Churchill. They are however occupied by other loves in their lives. When the two fall for the same man Emma is forced to choose between friendship and love."
Abstract This paper argues that the idea of a media organization as diversified as Paramount Pictures with a strong public image to uphold, releasing a grossly sexist, maligning and insulting movie such as "Clueless" is practically beyond comprehension. The paper presents a negative critique of this film about affluent Beverley Hills, including comments about the footage and locations, the story line and the poor acting by Cher.
From the Paper "The two truly contradictory roles in "Clueless," are the roles of Cher's two lamented loves in the film. First, of course is the fact she dates no one, doesn't particularly like anyone of the opposite gender and is, of course, still a virgin much to the surprise of all her friends. Then, as if by magic, there is suddenly the appearance of the gay young man in the midst of the class. Why the fact the males in the movie, but not the females know he's gay? Can this be possible outside the confines of realism? One must doubt the existence of such a situation especially in upscale Beverly Hills."
The writer of this in-depth paper analyzes the similarities between Jane Austen's classic "Emma" and Amy Heckerling's film "Clueless," while focusing on whether or not traditional gender roles have changed over the years.
Abstract This paper discusses the film industry's recent trend of creating modern adaptations of classic literature. The writer of this paper focuses on Jane Austin's classic novel "Emma" and it's modern day counterpart, "Clueless," written and directly by Amy Heckerling. This well-researched paper discusses the many similarities in both stories while examining whether or not the roles of women and men have changed over the years. This paper delves into Heckerling's modern adaptation of "Emma" which closely parallels the original text from themes to characterization as well as characteristics in both societies. This paper details the plots and main characters of both works. This paper examines the gender roles of both men and women in various areas including marriage, family, society, education and career as depicted in modern times as well as the Regency period.
From the Paper "At the beginning of the novel, it is established that Emma's mother died so long ago that her presence is only a vague memory. In Clueless, the death of Cher's mother has been modernized. Cher's mother died from a freak liposuction accident. It is remarkable how even the minutest details are present in both works. Mr. Woodhouse is preoccupied with his digestion and because of this Emma is very concerned about his health. In Clueless, Mr. Horowitz is constantly obsessing about his cholesterol. Out of concern, Cher restricts her father to a strict diet. Both the Woodhouses and the Horowitzes are members of the upper-class society. Emma's father is well-known and everyone holds the Woodhouse family in high esteem. Cher's father is a renowned litigation attorney. In today's society, a profession such as this is looked upon with a lot of respect."
Tags: film, industry, literature, analysis, comparison, gender, women, society
Abstract This essay is a discussion of three films: Slacker, Boyz N The Hood and Clueless as a genre of youth films. It considers their similarities and differences, how the form of each film influences its meaning, and what these films attempt to say about social relations (e.g. class, race, gender) in the U.S. in the 1990s.
Abstract This paper explains that the didactic approach is strong in both Jane Austen's "Emma" and the film "Clueless" because each of the protagonist characters, Emma and Cher respectively, works to help others in her social circle obtain true love without regard for her own need for love. The author points out the similarities in the main characters: Emma is part of the rich, upscale society of a "large and populous village" in nineteenth century England; whereas, Cher lives in rich, upscale Beverly Hills. The paper relates that in both the novel and the film the minor characters work to illustrate the main characters and continue the pace of the storyline.
From the Paper "Because of their wealth, both Emma and Cher are spoiled, in control socially, and tend to think too highly of themselves. This is a result of the lack of a maternal figure in their lives, as well as their fathers' over-indulgence. Cher has everything a teenage girl could want: money, her own Jeep, a huge wardrobe, et cetera. Like a lot of girls, she spends a large amount of time and money at the mall; however, she spends hundreds and thousands of dollars on her clothes, not the kind of money a typical teenager would spend."
Abstract This paper examines Jane Austen's novel "Emma" and the different emphasis of novel and film versions, including the adaptation of the film starring Gweneth Paltrow and Amy Heckerling's film, "Clueless."
From the Paper "Often when filmmakers create modern film adaptations of classic texts, much of the subtext and symbolism of the original manuscript is lost on the screen. Though the film adaptation of Jane Austen's novel Emma-first published in is ..."
Tags: Emma, film, Jane Austen, adaptation, Heckerling, Clueless
A comparison of the character of Emma and her relationship with Mr. Knightley, from Jane Austen's novel, "Emma" with three film adaptations of the book.
1,873 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 0 sources, 2008, $ 59.95
Abstract This paper analyzes the character of Emma Woodhouse from Jane Austen's novel, "Emma." It specifically discusses the relationship between Emma and Mr. Knightley and describes the impact that he has on Emma's thoughts and behaviors. The paper compares the novel with three film adaptations of the book - Douglas McGrath's adaptation, the BBC film adaptation and Amy Heckerling's modern "Emma" set in present-day Beverly Hills, in the film, "Clueless."
From the Paper "The relationship between Emma and Mr. Knightley are portrayed differently in the novel and each of the film adaptations, allowing the audience to develop their own ideas and opinions of them based on what they see or read. Like the novel, "Clueless" gives us a reigning narrative voice unlike the other films, which ultimately broadens our understanding of Emma and what she is truly about. The other films merely let us see what we believe we're reading in the novel, however, not necessarily being completely accurate to what Austen wanted to convey to her audience. "Clueless" suggests the most appropriate Emma and Mr. Knightley subplot, allowing the audience to see how Emma and Mr. Knightley in essence were truly compatible, regardless of any instances in which the audience was strayed to believe otherwise. After all, Emma is ultimately about her "metamorphosis" in the end, and it would not have been able to occur if it was not for Mr. Knightley finally being able to be her knight that swept her off her feet."
Abstract This paper discusses the incidence of sexual harassment in secondary schools. It specifically questions whether sexual harassment in secondary schools is just the business of the victim and the perpetrator or whether others have an obligation to intervene. The paper concludes that students should be encouraged to tell what they suspect and adults need to teach them how to effectively deal with the problem. The paper contains original sources.
Table of Contents:
"Their" Business?
Evidence of "Cluelessness"
Examples of Sexual Harassment by Peers
Examples of Sexual Harassment by School Employees
Common Consequences
Confronting and Combating the Problem
From the Paper "Confronting sexual harassment in secondary schools is not just the business of the victim and the perpetrator, but also the business of those in society who care enough to make a difference. Packman, Lepkowski, Overton, and Smaby point out that in addition to encouraging high school students to "tell" what they know when they are personally sexually harassed or know another student experiencing this malady, adults need to teach them how to effectively deal with the problem. When students have the opportunity to address this issue, it can spark creativity and energy and the skills to deal with not only sexual harassment, but also racism, bullying and other problems that they will have to face, not only as students, but ultimately as adults."
