Victoria Pedraza | 8/22/2023
Fotograma de Clueless
At first glance, it’s easy to dismiss this movie, and its main character, as shallow and uninteresting. A simple romantic comedy relegated to the realm of materialistic movie teenagers. However, there’s a depth to it worthy of deeper examination.
Clueless is a 1995 modern-day adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma, or at least it was modern almost thirty years ago. The film revolves around Cher Horowitz, the only daughter of a high-powered Beverly Hills attorney, who seems intent on running the lives of the people around her. Everything about her screams privilege and entitlement, so making her a sympathetic character is made difficult from the start. In fact, it was Austen herself that said, upon writing the novel that would later inspire Clueless: “I'm going to take a heroine whom no one but myself will much like.”
Environment and Influence
Cher wakes up in the morning, chooses her clothes for the day in some kind of computer program, and drives to school in a fancy white jeep despite the fact that she’s not old enough to drive on her own and isn’t a good driver. Her life is one of opulence and luxury. We have to realize that her life is not perfect. She lost her mother as a baby and seems to have had a string of stepmothers, plus her father’s health is apparently a concern.
Mostly, though, there's the fact that she's as much a product of her environment as we all are. Her interactions with the world are all focused on material possessions, a consequence of growing up in her bubble. Cher's upbringing, surrounded by wealth and luxury, has ingrained a certain worldview in which materialism and superficiality are normalized. Her social circle, consisting of similarly privileged peers, reinforces these values, creating a feedback loop that perpetuates the importance of appearances and possessions.
She doesn’t really have anything outside of this. From her outside, her world seems perfect, but from a closer perspective, it’s incredibly limited. Therefore, she’s incredibly limited.
Positive Traits
“Who takes care of everyone in this household? Who makes sure Daddy eats right? To tell you the truth, I have not seen such good-doing since your mother”
-Mel Horowitz
At first glance, Cher may appear superficial and materialistic, but the movie drops hints of a generous, kind spirit from the beginning. She’s the one who makes sure her father sticks to a healthy diet to lower his cholesterol, and despite the appearance of setting up two of her teachers for her own self-serving purposes, she’s genuinely happy to help them. Plus, misguided though she may have been, she reaches out to Tai, the new student, and takes her under her wing without a second thought.
She’s resourceful and intelligent and uses those skills to benefit those around her.
Cher's desire to improve others' lives by wielding her influence stems from this environment, albeit in sometimes misguided ways, as she equates material transformation with genuine personal growth. Thus, while Cher's obsession with material possessions may seem shallow, it is an integral facet of her character intricately woven into the fabric of her surroundings.
Cher vs. Emma
A comparative analysis of Cher Horowitz and Emma Woodhouse from Jane Austen's classic novel can shed light on the depth and complexity of Cher's character. While they share certain traits, such as their beauty, wealth, and intelligence, delving into their individual contexts and personal growth showcases the nuanced ways in which they differ and evolve.
Cher's contemporary Los Angeles setting of the 1990s serves as a stark contrast to Emma's Regency-era England. This divergence in time and place introduces variations in cultural norms, social expectations, and personal aspirations that significantly shape each character's journey. Cher's world is marked by the vibrant pop culture of the '90s, modern technology, and a focus on materialism. On the other hand, Emma navigates a society characterized by strict social hierarchies, limited mobility, and the importance of marriage as a means of social advancement.
Cher's youthful perspective as a teenager sets her apart from Emma, who is portrayed as an adult navigating the complexities of her society. Cher's challenges and growth stem from the transitional period of adolescence, where self-discovery, identity formation, and peer dynamics play pivotal roles. Emma, on the other hand, deals with the responsibilities and consequences of her actions as she meddles in the affairs of others. These differing life stages contribute to distinct narrative arcs, with Cher's centered on coming of age and Emma's on maturity and self-awareness.
Cher's transformation from a self-absorbed teenager to an empathetic young woman showcases her growth beyond these initial shared traits. Her journey reflects a modern perspective on personal development, while Emma's transformation in Austen's work reflects the societal concerns of her time. Both characters ultimately learn the value of humility, self-awareness, and empathy, albeit in contexts that resonate differently with their respective audiences.
In exploring the parallels and distinctions between Cher and Emma, audiences gain a richer understanding of Cher's character and the complexity of her evolution. This analysis serves as a reminder that while characters may share certain traits, their individual contexts and journeys shape them in unique ways, making their growth and development rich sources of insight and reflection.
Takeaway
Upon revisiting the iconic film "Clueless," it becomes abundantly clear that Cher Horowitz is far more than the initial shallow stereotype she might appear to be. The progression of her character from an apparently self-absorbed teenager to a young woman exhibiting compassion and empathy is a testament to the intricacies and depth that lie beneath her seemingly vapid exterior. Her transformation is not only a plot device but a reflection of the multifaceted nature of human development.
Cher's journey is one of personal growth that can resonate with audiences on a profound level. Her initial portrayal as a privileged, fashion-forward young woman living in a world of excess might lead some to dismiss her as one-dimensional. However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes apparent that Cher's behavior is largely influenced by her environment and upbringing. This realization prompts viewers to consider the impact of external factors on one's character and decisions, encouraging a more empathetic perspective on her actions.
In the process of character analysis, it's essential to recognize Cher's positive qualities that are often overshadowed by her initial surface-level demeanor. Her genuine concern for her friends' well-being and her attempts at matchmaking reveal her underlying desire to connect and contribute positively to the lives of those around her. As the story progresses, these qualities become more evident, challenging the initial judgments that both the audience and the characters within the film might have formed.
Comparisons between Cher and the literary figure Emma, on whom her character is loosely based, provide further insight into Cher's evolution. By drawing parallels and distinctions between the two characters, audiences can gain a deeper understanding of Cher's growth. Emma's matchmaking endeavors, initially misguided, also pave the way for personal development, much like Cher's. Recognizing these literary roots enriches the appreciation of Cher's character arc and invites viewers to see her as part of a broader narrative tradition.
Ultimately, the transformation of Cher Horowitz serves as a poignant reminder that true growth often lies beneath the surface, hidden from the initial view. Her journey from self-absorption to empathy echoes the real-world experience of discovering hidden layers of complexity in individuals. This theme resonates universally, encouraging viewers to look beyond first impressions and stereotypes to uncover the depth and potential for change that exists within each person.
So, the next time one watches "Clueless," the invitation is to peel back the layers of Cher's character and witness the profound evolution she undergoes. By doing so, audiences can not only appreciate her growth but also reflect on the broader idea that genuine transformation is a dynamic process that demands patience and understanding. Cher Horowitz emerges as a testament to the fact that genuine character development is a journey that requires careful consideration and a willingness to embrace complexity.
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