Legally Blonde (and Highly Sexist)

After constant criticise for not having seen Legally Blonde (from Nicole due to it being her favourite film) I decided to give in and watch it.

My immediate reaction was 'wow this film isn't the girly piece of shit I was expecting' (no offence Nicole).

So yes the film was good. Very good actually. I really enjoyed it.

It had it's fair share of humorous and serious moments; just the right balance.

But, as (I hope) anyone who's seen the film knows, the film presents the audience with many sexist moments (displayed in a comedic way as to not offend of course).

Elle Woods. She is a stereotypical blonde. All about the fashion and beauty. Definitely not about the brains. All she cares for is a guy. She's the type of character that I would like to slap in the face and teach about real life, although, I do credit her self-motivation.

A brief overview if you haven't watched the film: Elle Woods chases after her ex boyfriend which leads to her going to Harvard to prove her worth to him (and doesn't even end up with him.)

Let's start with the fact that Elle is accepted into Harvard by a group of white, middle aged men with their decision purely being based on her looks. It's highly uncomfortable to watch a group of businessmen viewing a young woman as an object of pleasure.

These men didn't chose Elle because of her potential as a Law student, they chose her because of her looks. I'm sorry, did someone say sexism?

Despite the fact that this (I hope) wouldn't happen in real life, there are so many things that are wrong about this but there wouldn't be a film without this plot so I guess I'll leave it alone.

Studying Law purely to prove yourself to a guy screams sexism. No one is that committed, there really is more to life than a guy, especially one who doesn't even want you. The whole concept is borderline stalking and, switching which gender the character who is pursuing the other is, I'm sure this point would be picked up on a lot more.

Elle Woods is not a typical female success, it takes her while to understand her own capabilities. By the end of the film she is able to prove women can be 'girly' and be smart (and the ability to put this asset to good use.)

I guess it's okay not to address Legally Blonde as sexist; it was meant as a light-hearted girl power film, not a mockery of females.

But it does mock them. And, what's worse is that she's blonde. Poor girl, she really did have no hope.

And it's not as if it's Elle's fault. Her society has led her to believe she is incapable of being a success (well, based on her brains anyway.) It's no wonder the girl thrives in her beauty and fashion, what other choice does she have?

Yes, Elle is able to overcome the stereotypical image of a dumb blonde but you mustn't forget how she got there; by chasing a guy.

Thankfully, Elle doesn't get back with her ex and finally learns that she is more than just a pretty face; an excellent message to give. By the end of the film she seems to have her priorities right, focusing on her own success and forgetting her previous intention.

I'm not sure whether the whole thing is a comedic dig at blondes or if it's a realistic portrayal of female power. I finished the film with a lack of knowing how I really felt.

I strongly believe that, in the film, there are two versions of Elle Woods. Version one is girly, dumb, makeup loving and, to be honest, a character who I do not like. Version two however is strong, smart and capable; that's the kind of character I like to see.

I could never visual myself as Elle Woods at the start of the film, but Elle Woods at the end is something I think I could become.

Hell yeah I could become a female success but not to impress a guy, I wouldn't stoop so low.

--- Aimee ---