Emma to Clueless - a transformation

If viewed independently, Clueless appears to be a stereotypical teenpic, not encompassing any obvious depth. However, if examined in relation to Austen’s Emma, Clueless can be seen in a new dimension. That is, a successful transformation of Emma, in terms of re-presenting “traditional” themes. On the other hand, this success is somewhat undermined by Heckerling’s use of language, characterization and her blatant trivialization of Emma’s thematic and plot intricacies. All of these factors, whether enhancing or devaluing to the original Emma, contribute to portraying the majority of aspects (such as characters, themes, plot, setting and style) in a new context; that is from Austen’s slow pace society the quick paced life of the 1990s teenager, thus confirming that Clueless should continue to be studied in schools, though only in conjunction with Austen’s Emma (to show the transformation clearly).

A film text uses both visual and aural techniques in developing characters ...