Clueless

Westfield Fashion Square

Brittany Murphy

Clueless is a 1995 American comedy film directed by Amy Heckerling. It stars Alicia Silverstone in the lead role, alongside a supporting cast that includes Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy, and Paul Rudd. The film is loosely based on Jane Austen's 1815 novel Emma, with a modern-day setting of Beverly Hills. The plot centers on Cher Horowitz, a wealthy and superficial high school student who decides to give a new student a makeover and improve her social standing.

Plot

Cher Horowitz is a high school student in Beverly Hills who lives with her wealthy father, Mel. Despite her privileged lifestyle, Cher takes it upon herself to use her popularity for good. Along with her best friend Dionne, Cher navigates the complexities of teenage life, including relationships, social status, and education. When Tai, a new student, arrives at their school, Cher decides to give her a makeover and help her become more popular. However, through her matchmaking attempts and her own journey of self-discovery, Cher learns valuable lessons about love, friendship, and the importance of being true to oneself.

Cast

• Alicia Silverstone as Cher Horowitz
• Stacey Dash as Dionne Davenport
• Brittany Murphy as Tai Frasier
• Paul Rudd as Josh Lucas
• Dan Hedaya as Mel Horowitz
• Donald Faison as Murray Duvall
• Elisa Donovan as Amber Mariens
• Jeremy Sisto as Elton Tiscia

Production

Directed by Amy Heckerling, Clueless was produced by Scott Rudin and Robert Lawrence. The film's screenplay, also written by Heckerling, is a modern adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma, with the setting changed to 1990s Beverly Hills. The production design and costume design played a significant role in the film, with Cher's wardrobe becoming iconic and influential in fashion trends of the 1990s.

Reception

Upon its release, Clueless received positive reviews from critics and was a box office success. It has since become a cult classic, praised for its witty dialogue, satirical take on high school life, and the performances of its cast, particularly Alicia Silverstone. The film also spawned a television series and a series of books, further cementing its place in popular culture.

Legacy

Clueless has had a significant impact on popular culture, influencing fashion, language, and the portrayal of teenagers in media. It has inspired numerous adaptations and references in other media, including television shows, films, and books. The film is also credited with launching the careers of several of its cast members, including Alicia Silverstone and Paul Rudd.

See Also

• Emma
• Teen film
• 1990s in film
• American comedy films