Introduction-"Emma" by Jane Austen and "Clueless" directed by Amy Heckerling-Fundamentally different, but recurring thematic similarities afford an appreciation of cultural fluidity and the change in ideologies.
-Transformation contemporises Austen's plot, setting, characterisation and gentle irony. Shaping new meaning alongside the universality of Austen-Transformation process allows responder to gain insights they would otherwise fail to realise, and thus enables them to compare the value system of both eras.
Setting-Emma and Cher (Alicia Silverstone) are representational products of their social environment-Emma: microcosm of upper middle-class English society. Patriarchal, class conscious and mono-cultural. Concentrated on rigid codes of propriety, wealth and status.
-Cher: multicultural, individualist and consumerist world of Beverly Hills in LA. Teen cultured world.
Tools-The values embedded within in each text are indicative of socio-cultural conventions of each context.
-Both composers use their respective cinematic and narrative tools with use of irony to satirise absurdity of certain social values and issues.
Jane Austen, Watercolour and pencil portrait by he...
English: Back View of Jane Austen, Watercolor
Austen Prepares to Throw-Emma: Austen's omniscient narration. E.g: "Emma Woodhouseâ¦seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence;"-Clueless: incongruity between images on screen and Cher's voiceover. E.g: her "way normal life for a teenager" as she proceeds to choose an outfit from a computer program.
Emma-Uses ridicule, mockery and ironic humour to condemn social vices (e.g snobbery) and condone virtue, morality and sincerity.
-Formal elevated language accommodates a more educated audience in 21st century, but norm for Austen and her literate contemporaries.
-Context affects choice of medium: film was a technological advancement yet to be made.
Clueless-Greater purpose to entertain due to context and post modern teenage audience.
-Visual medium allows Heckerling to convey social themes and values through mise-en-scene, audio techniques and symbolism (as opposed to extended dialogue and prose of Emma)Values - Consumption and Social ConductConcepts of consumerism and materialism in Clueless replace class propriety and social etiquette in Emma.