How Heckerling transformed Emma into Clueless
Both the novel Emma, by Jane Austen, and the film "Clueless", directed by Amy Heckerling, contain elements of satire, used by their composers to comment on their respective societies. Due to the transformation of context and text type, the content of this satire and the techniques used to portray it vary. While Emma is set in the patriarchal society of 19th Century rural England, its setting in "Clueless" has been transformed to become Beverly Hills in the 1990s. Heckerling transforms Emma in order to comment on her own society. Within the transformation, the values of society have changed, however the current values of the setting are still the basis for judging people. Although Heckerling comments on similar themes to Austen, the changing context of their societies means that Heckerling is able to present a different viewpoint.In Emma, Austen uses a distinct style in order to portray her satire. Third person narration from the protagonist's point of view allows the responder to gain insights into the thoughts of the character, while remaining removed, in order to appreciate the comment Austen is making through this character. For example, through the character of Emma, Austen comments on social manners, vanity and self-decep
In the 19th century, homosexuality was considered totally immoral and illegal, whereas Christian in the context of the 1990s is free to choose his own sexual preference. While Cher remains a close friend with Christian and appears to be unconcerned by his sexuality, Murray's comments border on discriminatory, because they suggest derogatory stereotyping:"He's a disco-dancing, Oscar Wilde-reading, Streissand ticket-holding friend of Dorothy. Comments were made regarding sexuality, consumerism and appearance, which were not issues in the context of Emma. In order to use the plot of Emma in "Clueless" to effectively comment on her society, Heckerling used a variety of cinematic techniques. The fact that Christian expresses his sexuality openly does not mean that he is free from discrimination. During the makeover scene, the upbeat music "Supermodel" plays in the background to further emphasise the weight society places on appearance. Ironic humour is maintained when the narration is from Emma's point of view, as the responder is able to see through Emma's eyes, while simultaneously perceiving the wider context that Austen intended. " The transformation from Emma to "Clueless" has facilitated a change in focus for Heckerling from issues of class and etiquette to emphasis on appearance and consumerism. While maintaining the same basic issues as in Emma, Heckerling made certain omissions and additions to the plot, in order to more closely comment on her society. An example of Austen's ironic humour occurs after Emma has assured John Knightley of his incorrect judgement of Mr Elton's intentions, in order to comment on Emma's self-deception: "Walked on, amusing herself in the consideration of the blunders which often arise from a partial knowledge of the circumstances, of the mistakes which people of high pretensions to judgement are for ever falling into. A fluke accident during a routine liposuction. " (pg 107, chapter 13)Similarly, in "Clueless", Heckerling satirises aspects of her society through her protagonist, Cher. Tai's singing of the "Mentos" advertisement indicates that even the most naive people are influenced by consumerism in contemporary society. Through "Clueless" Heckerling challenges her responders to question the stereotypes their society creates.
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