Amy Heckerling’s ’90s coming-of-age classic teen drama has been loved by audiences for 30 years. A powerful opening montage shows Cher (Alicia Silverstone) hanging out with Amber (Elisa Donovan) and Dionne (Stacey Dash). We soon learn that Amber is no longer part of the pack and now the enemy. You can’t help but think Mean Girls (2004) slightly took hints from Amber to the head of ‘Plastics’ – Regina George.
Cher’s narration runs us through her life. She thinks it’s tough, but it seems like the easiest school life anyone could ask for. The film excels in tone – it’s sarcastic, a little slapstick, and a satire on a sweetly saturated posh teen life.
Cher lives in her pretty and sophisticated bubble with friends as ‘shopping partners.’ Sometimes she’s limited with acting out some responsibility like attempting to pass her driver’s test, which is something she can’t possibly ‘talk her way out of’… for once. Even in her fashionable school attire which created the now iconic look of her yellow plaid suit, white furry backpack, and pink fluffy pen.
But her life becomes upended with the introduction of quirky newcomer Tai (played brilliantly by Brittany Murphy) and the fashionable literature-obsessed, Christian (Justin Walker) at school. And then living with Josh (Paul Rudd) at home. She soon becomes the outsider and Tai as the ‘most popular girl in school’. Their roles become reversed.
What is that? A dress. Says who? Calvin Klein.
Cher & her dad, Mel discuss her dress in Clueless (1995) with her high school friend, Christian.
Iconic female BFF duo, Cher and Dionne own the corridors as the school’s fashionistas. But really, they face no competition whatsoever. They have fun by setting up couples in school that previously had no interest in one another.
Cher’s Heavenly Match-making Plans
First, it’s the teachers, then it’s Tai that gets to be a part of Cher’s agendas. She takes Tai under her wing and soon Cher is no longer the only clueless one. But it’s all part of her plan. And usually what Cher wants, is what she gets. Being a rich Beverly Hills girl and all. Just like it’s adapted counterpart in which the film is loosely based on, Jane Austen’s Emma (1815), Cher is a pretty but clueless protagonist who constantly plays the role of matchmaker to those around her.
I am totally buggin.
Cher’s totally confused in Clueless (1995).
Until her step-brother, Josh challenges her norm. Cher and Josh clash with their attitudes and ideals. It’s the classic structure of ‘Enemies to Lovers.’ Josh doesn’t ‘gel well’ with Cher’s methods which includes everything from cheating on her report cards to her shallow way of life. It’s purely fashion and the shopping mall as her main interests that fuels her passion and lifestyle.
Cher’s Story Tells the Angst of Teen Life
But despite her lucky lifestyle, Cher’s life is anything but drama-free. She still deals with the angst of teenage life. Bad boyfriends, bad grades, and even worse parties. And even Tai becomes rather daunting to be around.
You try driving in platforms!
Cher Horowitz, Clueless (1995).
It’s the chaotic, funny, and uptight side of Cher’s personality that makes her somewhat relatable as a protagonist. We realise underneath the superficiality, Cher is clever, but she just doesn’t reveal that side of her often. Only really when she’s with Josh. He challenges her mentally.
As the complete opposite to her friends, she actually has intellectually stimulated conversations with him. It’s classic ‘opposites attract.’ It’s only when she evaluates all of their shared moments that she sees him in a completely different light. Saying, ‘okay, he’s kind of a Baldwin.’ Then she can’t act normal around him.
Clueless: Deep Rooted in ‘90s Nostalgia
Clueless (1995) is deep rooted in ‘90s nostalgia and it doesn’t let you forget it. For its fashion – there’s scrunchies, denim dungarees, and fluffy backpacks. The girls agree that Christian Slater is their Hollywood crush. And there’s cell phones and old computers too. Yet the new boy in school, Christian matches Cher’s energy. He’s her but a male version – rich, superficial, and only there for the vibes. In classic Cher style, she chases after him. Until Cher realises, he’s not quite what he seems.
But soon Josh becomes like an overprotective brother. With Josh, Cher learns that there’s more to romance than physical attraction. She’s a much better version of herself when she’s with the right guy. After a series of bad boyfriends, spending time with Josh reminds Cher of her intellectual side. It turns out that Cher’s not so ‘clueless’ afterall.
“Ugh, as if”: The Quirky Dialogue of Clueless
The dialogue flies off the wall. With iconic quote falling after iconic quote. From Cher’s ‘Ugh, as if!’ to Amber’s ‘whatever’ – both said with as much attitude as possible. There’s a classic Hollywood ‘Makeover scene’. You can learn more about the ‘Makeover Scene in rom-coms’ here.
Dyed hair, makeup, cropped shirts, and exercise is Cher’s process to get Tai looking like a girl trio alongside her and Dionne. Their fashion is a whole other story with countless memorable wardrobe changes. Not just for Cher but for her fashionable BFF, Dionne too. Another aspect that is countless to name is the endless quotable dialogue. Starting from laughing gag quotes to finger-snapping moments.
So much happens in Clueless‘ 97-minute run-time. No wonder it’s regarded as a classic rom-com to represent the ‘90s. Behind its superficiality is a host of subtly and a message on teen life. Perfect Cher becomes a little more down-to-earth in her story and even ends up saying ‘those are so last season’ for heels. Something she wouldn’t have dreamed to say at the start of her journey.
Cher soon makes up with old friends and talks to students she would have never dreamed of even being in the same vicinity of before her change in attitude. Of course, the right person ends up with the right person owing to the perfectly romantic Hollywood Rom-Com ending.
It all boiled down to one inevitable conclusion… I was just totally Clueless.
Cher on her life becoming ‘totally’ upended in Clueless (1995).
You can read more anniversary movie reviews like A Cinderella Story (2004) here.
