In a world that tells little girls that the color they love will define them for the rest of their lives, “Legal Blonde” is a lesson in empowering and appropriating your choices. In most mainstream media depictions, the type of woman personified by Elle is presented as one of two types of characters. The openly feminine and social personality of the butterfly is limited to the “stupid blonde” or the “mean girl”. The reverse is true for female characters who are supposed to be autonomous. They are often physically numb or don`t care about their physical appearance. Imitating what you need to look like to be taken seriously is the exact opposite of what many feminist movements try to defend – freedom of choice and the right to exist without question or scrutiny. DelGenio said, “Growing up, I was categorized many times by a lot of people as a stupid blonde cheerleader. People`s opinions about me never really bothered me until I got older. I`ve always been a goal-oriented person and I`ve never let anyone or anything stop me. I feel like I can relate to Her on a very personal level. She continues, “To prepare for this role, I studied many different versions of Elle Woods, from Laura Bell Bundy to Reese Witherspoon to Sheridan Smith and beyond. I love so many moments that are unique to each of these actresses, and they have influenced some of my acting choices so far.
Woods` character teaches the audience a lot. Here are some of our favorite lessons. In a gesture that lasted no more than a few seconds, fashionista lawyer Elle Woods made it clear to women around the world that there is not just one way women should position themselves for romantic gestures. In the midst of all the comedy and sisterhood of the moment, she also manages to teach Paulette an important lesson – one she can take care of. It also teaches them that taking responsibility is not always the same thing. Get ready to feel old because Legal Blonde turns 15 today. That`s right; 15 years ago, we met Elle Woods, the Delta Nu sorority, Paulette and of course Bruiser for the first time. Despite the fact that the film is almost old enough to vote (and we would totally write “Elle Woods for President” on a ballot), her message still resonates with us today. She taught us a lot of important things, from things to do and giving chemical hair care to fighting for the job we want. In honor of her 15th birthday, here are 15 of the greatest life lessons we`ve learned from everyone`s favorite sister.
She concludes: “The girl has courage – she is strong, reasonable, intelligent, kind and she gains the advantage. It`s a great real-world lesson, but it`s also a theatrical lesson. Laura Osnes (a super-famous Broadway star) says you can teach and learn many of the skills and qualities that a good actor needs to succeed, but you can`t teach kindness. It`s what hires you, it`s what promotes you, it`s what proves your worth in this industry. “If there is one thing She represents, it is the lesson we should always accept who we are. She is at her best when she stops pretending to be someone she is not, which is true of life in general. We are all at our best when we choose to be ourselves. Paskos says, “Another cliché is that being blonde and sexy means you`re not going to succeed and you`re not smart. There are many testimonials and statistics showing that more women went to school once Legally Blonde came out. One of my friend`s sisters too.
There has been a considerable increase in the number of female law students. “All directors agree. Clarke says, “Sometimes girl sisters are portrayed as stupid. First of all, this is not true. As soon as you enter the nurses` house in our production, you will see characters from all walks of life – Kate, the student, Serena, the urban planner, Margot, the funny lover, Galen, the “journalist” guy. Being part of a sorority is like having a chosen family. You can`t choose blood, but you can choose love. Plus, there are so many famous and successful women in all sorts of industries who have been part of a college sorority. “Remember when Vivian thinks she`s so smart because she makes her believe that her normal party at home is actually a costume party? And then she appears in costume and tastes Vivian right away – and still chatting with Warner? Yes, lesson learned, Vivian. Don`t play cruel pranks on other girls.
The common is never beautiful. Keneally says, “Men are programmed to succeed in very specific ways. Warner is supposed to be a perfect specimen of masculinity, partygoer, student and future “Kennedy.” His life is planned, but he doesn`t really fit in, does he? He is not in the front row at Harvard. He doesn`t learn about breaking up. It`s much more “Type-B”, and that`s okay! Ultimately, it models and finds its own way. Emmett faces a stereotype of classism. People in his neighborhood don`t go to Harvard. It`s hard for him to play and see the role. She teaches him that he really belongs. With both men, there is a stereotype that men must have a certain appearance to “get the girl”. As she equips Emmett with new clothes, she points out that he is still the same inside, and she loves him for it. The character of Elle manages to break stereotypes about how a woman should present herself, almost without realizing it.
She is a clear example of how femininity and empowerment go hand in hand. Women shouldn`t have to get rid of parts of their identity that they value just to be taken seriously at all times. Of all the relationships in this film, the most envious is probably Paulette and The UPS Guy, whose real name is Kyle.