Friday Night Movie Club
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Jane Austen is widely considered an author of romantic comedies.
But she also crafted a clever piece of satire.
Cluelesshas always existed in a tricky space.
As played by Alicia Silverstone with ebullience and charm exuding from her pores, Cher can seem aspirational.
Yes,Cluelessis a love story and a coming-of-age story.
When we first meet Cher she is … not exactly trying to do that.
Much of the humor in the movie springs from that disconnect.
When Cher stands up to deliver a speech in Mr. Josh (Rudd), her stepbrother (kind of?
She plays secret matchmaker for Mr. Hall (Wallace Shawn) and Ms. Geist (Twink Caplan).
All of these are modernized echoes of events and relationships inEmma.
First of all, shes not an idiot and shes not completely devoid of compassion.
Because her single father is constantly working, she basically runs the household.
When she realizes Christian wasnt up-front about his sexual orientation, she doesnt act like a brat about it.
She accepts him for who he is and remains friends with him.
She has never really been challenged.
The big altruistic acts that signify a change in Cher are, again, ironically comical in scale.
Its even slyer when you realize that the Pismo Beach disaster isnt even a real thing.
But she has taken some positive steps.
In its satirical moments,Cluelessshakes its head at Chers obliviousness.
