For our main task, our group has decided to create a modern adaptation of a literary classic. So it seemed appropriate that in preparation for our task, that we research other adaptations with the same sub-genres for inspiration and ideas. One of the film openings I have analysed is Clueless, which is a modern adaptation of Emma by Jane Austen in the teen romantic/ comedy genres. While Clueless is a more loose adaptation of the original plot of Emma, it still stays true to the story as there a clear parallels between both Clueless and Emma (themes, characters, the storylines, events)
Characterisation and Adaptation
The characterisation in both Emma and its film adaptation Clueless are crucial to the plot they both focus on the perspective of a young female protagonist with a strong, comedic personality who come from a wealthy background and enjoy conducting social experiments like matchmaking for their own entertainment. Minor changes were made in the characterisation of the film Clueless` leading character Cher Horowitz as a young teenage girl attending high school in modern America, in contrast to Emma Woodhouse a genteel woman living in Georgian-Regency England. However these changes were necessary to the plot of the film adaptation as the new character of Cher was deliberately characterised to appeal to the target teenage audience and to make the story more relatable to young girls. Clueless still remains true to the original story of Emma in terms of the characterisation to the central character. As previously mentioned both characters enjoy matchmaking for personal fun, they both come from wealthy families, their mothers died when they were young and they are both portrayed as head-strong, self satisfied and wildly imaginative.
The film adaptation of this modern classic not only closes mirrors the characterisation of its female leads, but also stays loyal to other, more minor characters in the book:
-Josh Lucas is a loose representation of the character George Knightly from Emma. Both Josh and George are the only critics of the main character and advises against their interest in matchmaking
-Elton Tiscia closely resembles the character Philip Elton. They both are described as good-looking, wealthy and well mannered young men who are both part of the social experiment conducted by the girls. Cher attempts to push Elton towards her friend, despite the fact that Elton is only interested in Cher. This is similar to Philip Elton's feeling for Emma as she tries to encourage him to date her friend.
-Amber Mariens is based on the character Augusta Elton. Both girls are portrayed as boasting and pretentious. These girls are both in competition with the female lead characters of their story's.
-Mr Wendell Hall is based on the Emma character Mr Weston
-Ms Geist is based on the character Mrs Weston in Emma
-Travis Birkenstock is based on Robert Martin from Emma
Opening Scene
The opening scene of the film begins with the introduction of Paramount Pictures, quickly followed by the colourful, visually exciting display of the film title. The film title is decorated in bring, vibrant primary colours and paired with an upbeat opening track (Kids in America - The Muffs) which captivates the audiences attention. This is followed by a continuous, fast paced stream of shots featuring the central character participating in various activities which give the audience insight into her personality from the outset of the film. The character is seen driving a white Range Rover while laughing with her friends in the passenger seats.
Soundtrack
The opening song of the film is a cover by The Muffs of the popular tune Kids in America, originally performed by Kim Wilde in 1981. The inclusion of this song in the film's soundtrack, specifically in the opening scene, is deliberate and strategic as although the film is directed toward young teenage girls, this soundtrack will attract an older audience.While re-watching this film to research and analyse the opening my mum heard the song which she recognised as being one of her childhood favourites and sat down to watch the film.
Colour Scheme
The colour scheme throughout the film varies, however the costuming of the main character remains consistently vibrant with bright colour like yellow, pink, white etc. This distinguishes the main character from the others and highlights her importance to the plot. This extravagant costume (to the right) has become iconic in teenage culture. Iggy Azalea took on the character Cher in a Clueless themed collaboration with XCX Charlie to make the song 'Fancy'.
Characterisation and Adaptation
The characterisation in both Emma and its film adaptation Clueless are crucial to the plot they both focus on the perspective of a young female protagonist with a strong, comedic personality who come from a wealthy background and enjoy conducting social experiments like matchmaking for their own entertainment. Minor changes were made in the characterisation of the film Clueless` leading character Cher Horowitz as a young teenage girl attending high school in modern America, in contrast to Emma Woodhouse a genteel woman living in Georgian-Regency England. However these changes were necessary to the plot of the film adaptation as the new character of Cher was deliberately characterised to appeal to the target teenage audience and to make the story more relatable to young girls. Clueless still remains true to the original story of Emma in terms of the characterisation to the central character. As previously mentioned both characters enjoy matchmaking for personal fun, they both come from wealthy families, their mothers died when they were young and they are both portrayed as head-strong, self satisfied and wildly imaginative.
The film adaptation of this modern classic not only closes mirrors the characterisation of its female leads, but also stays loyal to other, more minor characters in the book:
-Josh Lucas is a loose representation of the character George Knightly from Emma. Both Josh and George are the only critics of the main character and advises against their interest in matchmaking
-Elton Tiscia closely resembles the character Philip Elton. They both are described as good-looking, wealthy and well mannered young men who are both part of the social experiment conducted by the girls. Cher attempts to push Elton towards her friend, despite the fact that Elton is only interested in Cher. This is similar to Philip Elton's feeling for Emma as she tries to encourage him to date her friend.
-Amber Mariens is based on the character Augusta Elton. Both girls are portrayed as boasting and pretentious. These girls are both in competition with the female lead characters of their story's.
-Mr Wendell Hall is based on the Emma character Mr Weston
-Ms Geist is based on the character Mrs Weston in Emma
-Travis Birkenstock is based on Robert Martin from Emma
Opening Scene
The opening scene of the film begins with the introduction of Paramount Pictures, quickly followed by the colourful, visually exciting display of the film title. The film title is decorated in bring, vibrant primary colours and paired with an upbeat opening track (Kids in America - The Muffs) which captivates the audiences attention. This is followed by a continuous, fast paced stream of shots featuring the central character participating in various activities which give the audience insight into her personality from the outset of the film. The character is seen driving a white Range Rover while laughing with her friends in the passenger seats.Soundtrack
The opening song of the film is a cover by The Muffs of the popular tune Kids in America, originally performed by Kim Wilde in 1981. The inclusion of this song in the film's soundtrack, specifically in the opening scene, is deliberate and strategic as although the film is directed toward young teenage girls, this soundtrack will attract an older audience.While re-watching this film to research and analyse the opening my mum heard the song which she recognised as being one of her childhood favourites and sat down to watch the film.
Colour Scheme
The colour scheme throughout the film varies, however the costuming of the main character remains consistently vibrant with bright colour like yellow, pink, white etc. This distinguishes the main character from the others and highlights her importance to the plot. This extravagant costume (to the right) has become iconic in teenage culture. Iggy Azalea took on the character Cher in a Clueless themed collaboration with XCX Charlie to make the song 'Fancy'.
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