Clueless - Theories

• Types of narrative


  • Linear
  • Flashbacks & dreamy scenes
  • Chronological order
  • Voiceover breaks 4th wall
  • (Personal mode of address)
  • Self-reflective self aware, hear what you see
  • Have a way normal life for a teenage girl
• Character archetypes


  • Hero - Cher
  • False hero - Tai
  • Villain - Tai/Elton
  • Princess - Tai
  • Helper - Dionne
• Reception


  • Dominant-hegemonic/preferred reading
  • Feminist (female lead forms good female relationships, passes the Bechdel test)
  • Promotes good values (Cher cares for her father, friendships over boys, helps Tai)
  • Promotes sexuality (sex positive, doesn't alienate Christian's sexuality)
  • Oppositional reading (unrealistic lifestyle, unrealistic view of American dream, unrealistic teenagers)
  • Negotiated reading (enjoyable well made, but unrealistic)
• Uses & gratifications


  • Diversion (escape to Cher's world of fashion, wealth & popularity)
  • Personal identity (identify with characters like Christian as he's gay, Dionne as she's a black woman)
  • Personal relationships (discussing film with friends)
  • Begins cult following (fandom)
• Fandom


  • Cult following & legacy
  • Blueprint for coming of age chick flick
  • Iconic fashion, memorable lines & music
  • Merchandise (Cher & Dionne costumes, phone cases, bottles, t-shirts, hats, hoodies, etc.)
• Media applications


  • TikTok edits
  • Instagram accounts
  • Etsy fan-made merchandise & fan art
• Clueless is an example of postmodernism
• Hyperreality


  Simulated reality is more accepted as truth than actual reality
• Clueless enforces stereotypes about teenagers (don't talk in catchphrases, aren't rich & boy obsessed, don't wear designer pieces, high school is more serious about schoolwork, not always partying)
• Clueless represents the essentialisation of stereotypes about teen girls (shopping addicts, boy obsessed, meddlesome)
• Equilibrium

  1. Cher is the golden girl and everyone is happy and popular

  2. Cher fixes people's lives (Tai & teachers)

  3. Disruption (Tai pushes Cher out and likes Josh, Elton tries to kiss Cher)

  4. Recognition (Cher realises she loves Josh)

  5. Repair (Cher makes amends and focuses on herself, Tai apologises)

  6. Resolution (Cher and Josh confess their feelings, kiss)

  7. New equilibrium (Mr Hall & Miss Geist get married, Cher catches bouquet)
• Clueless enforces traditional gender roles (women talk more, focus on fashion & appearance, should be slim & pretty)