Legally_Blonde_Essay

Legally Blonde Movie Analysis Legally Blonde directed by Robert Luketic is a movie which reflects upon a emotional journey within a physical journey and this is conveyed through the use of many various techniques such as music and sound effects, camera angles and lighting. It involves Elle Woods, a blonde sorority queen who is dumped by her boyfriend Warner on the basis that he needs a Jackie O, not a Marilyn Monroe. She decides to win him back by following him to law school where she learns that she can achieve anything she puts her mind to. The movie begins the song ‘Perfect Day’ which plays during a montage of her getting ready for her date with her boyfriend Warner, in which she is expecting a proposal. This gives off the impression that this is her 'perfect day' and that her priorities life are more social than academic. As Warner arrives to at Elle's home, he is made to be seen as very handsome being well groomed and powerful through the use of low angle shots. During the date, rising music is played as Elle is eagerly waiting for him to propose, reflecting her excitement. However, this is cruelly shut down when she learns that he was intending to break up with her instead. This is conveyed in the dialogue ‘Elle, if I’m going to be a senator I need to marry a Jackie, not a Marilyn’. Here a close-up shot of Elle's reaction shows how distressed she is. For the next few weeks, Elle stays in her room and sulk, watching romance movies and eating chocolate. It seems like she is only going to get worse when Elle’s friends persuade her to go and get her nails done to cheer her up. Here, Elle has an epiphany and the catalyst for the journey is conveyed. She wants to win Warner back by proving to him that she is not a "Marilyn" and can get into Harvard University. This is shown in the dialogue ‘Once Warner sees me as successful law student, he’ll totally want me back’ which she says with a excited tone. The first obstacle which Elle has to overcome in her journey is passing the LSATs, a test which is necessary for anyone wanting to apply for university. A score of 175 is required for Harvard University and this means studying hard instead of participating in her usual sorority activities. Here there is another montage, however this time, Elle is studying intensely in order to pass the LSATs. Fast pace music is played t create the image of much time passing while Elle is working hard to achieve her goal. When it is revealed that Elle scored 179 on her LSATs, there is a massive explosion of screaming of joy from the sorority members as well as triumphant music in the background to show this proud and successful moment. As she arrives at Harvard, Vivian Kensington and the general negative attitude of professors and students towards her at the university prove to be another major obstacle. This is emphasise during an introductory session where there is a long shot of the other students plain faces as she explains to them about herself and her superficial lifestyle. Elle also meets her worst nightmare, Vivian Kensington, Warner’s new fiancé. She is portrayed as evil through the use of intimidating music as there is a close-up shot of Vivian’s large diamond engagement ring. Throughout most of the most, Vivian is constantly trying to put Elle down, however, due to Elle's high self-esteem and determination, it did not work. Even though she is now a law student at Harvard just like Warner, he still does not think she is intelligent and able to become one of Professor Callahan’s students to work on a real case. ‘You’re just not smart enough sweetie,’ is the dialogue by Warner. This is where her perseverance is renewed and there is a another montage which consists of Elle buying a laptop, in the library getting books, studying on her computer, studying while exercising, etc, and we are given the impression that she will succeed. Elle ends up achieving a spot as one of Callahan’s internships which involves helping out with the Brooke Wyndham Case. Brooke Wyndham has been accused of killing her husband. Through a mind-blowing case, Elle ends up winning the case in proving Brooke's innocence. Once again, Elle's success and joy are emphasised through another montage of friends applauding and celebrating. Soon afterwards, she learns that Warner is not the one for her. She imitates Warner’s tone in “But if I want to be in a law firm by the time I’m 30, I’ll need a boyfriend who’s not such a complete bonehead!” showing that she is over him and realises her own capabilities. As she leaves, as the doors open, a bright light shines behind Elle. This is also played in slow motion and it symbolises her "bright" future and triumph. The movie ends with a graduation speed from Elle where there is a high angle shot of the audience showing what a powerful role model she has become at Harvard in comparison to when she first arrived. Soon afterwards ‘Perfect Day’ is played for the final time, to show how much Elle has evolved as a person as she now sees her graduation day as the perfect day.