A review of the 1995 classic film “Clueless”
Although I’m a massive movie fan, I guess that it’s not surprising that I never caught “Clueless”. At the time of its release, I was a father in his late 40s – not exactly the demographic attracted to this witty satire of teenage life in Beverley Hills very loosely based on the Jane Austen novel “Emma”.
But roll forward to this year and the coronavirus lockdown. One of the ways in which I stayed connected was to have a weekly online movie quiz with a buddy from my film courses. She revealed that she just loved “Clueless” which of course I’d never seen.
When cinemas eventually reopened again, the British Film Institute had this film in its early schedule, so I – a male in his early 70s – invited my film buddy – a female in her late 30s – to accompany me to its showing (her first viewing actually on the big screen).
I have to say that I found it a sheer delight. Both written and directed by Amy Heckerling, it is absolutely crammed full of acute one-line zingers and the central character – rich high schooler Cher played wonderfully by Alicia Silverstone – has as many lines of narration and dialogue as her change of outfits.
While trying to set up a new friend with a boy, she neglects the attractions of her stepbrother Josh (Paul Rudd), but you just know that will not remain the case and the ending brings a broad smile to every face (young or old). Totally cool