CLUELESS (1995)
30TH ANNIVERSARY PRESENTATION
As if we would miss this 30th anniversary screening! Director Amy Heckerling transports Jane Austen’s Emma to the glitz and glamour of Beverly Hills in this classic teen comedy. This was Heckerling’s second film that focused on high schoolers after her feature directorial debut, Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982). The film featured breakout performances for actresses Alicia Silverstone and Brittany Murphy, as well as actor Paul Rudd’s feature film debut. Silverstone stars as the stylish and popular—yet sincere—Cher Horowitz, who orchestrates a relationship between two of her teachers in order to receive better grades. Motivated by her success as a matchmaker, Cher sets her sights on the “clueless” transfer student Tai Frasier (Murphy) and gives her a makeover. Cher then introduces Tai to her elite social circle in hopes of finding her an equally popular boyfriend. Meanwhile, at home, Cher butts heads with her former stepbrother, Josh Lucas (Rudd), who criticizes her superficial lifestyle. The film was a surprise sleeper hit, spawning a spin-off television sitcom and a book series.
d. Amy Heckerling, 97m, digital
Courtesy of Paramount Pictures.