An Analysis of Legally Blonde as a Heroine’s Journey (Schmidtt)
One of the most clearly represented steps of Schmidtt’s model of the heroine's journey is the illusion of the perfect world. The film represents this stage of the Heroine's Journey both explicitly, with the musical lyrics in the opening saying: “Nothing's standing in my way; On this perfect day. When nothing can go wrong; It's the perfect day.”, and visually, as the main character, Elle Woods, goes about her morning routine with a joyful expression on her face. Elle believes that it’s the perfect day and that she lives a perfect life because she believes that her boyfriend, Warner Huntington III, is going to propose to her later that evening. Here she exemplifies the “Cinderella” coping strategy outlined in Schmidtt’s Heroine’s Journey, the belief that men, in this case, Warner, will take care of her, and that he would become her husband.
This illusion is shattered when Warner reveals to Elle that he is breaking up with her, and she is heartbroken. In her awakening/preparing for the journey, she makes it her goal to go to Harvard law school in order to prove to Warner that she’s “serious” enough to be his wife. This explicit goal set by Elle sets up the film in a way that seems like her ultimate boon is to win back Warner, but that’s not what happens in the end. She is accepted to Harvard, goes through law school, and proves herself a good lawyer in her first case. But instead of Warner taking her back, Elle realizes that she doesn’t need Warner, that she’s better than him.
This moment in the film represents the 8th step in Schmidtt’s model, rebirth and the moment of truth. If she had gone back to Warner, she would not really have grown, as he is a man who broke up with her over foolish stereotypes that Elle could not be “serious” enough because she was blonde. However, that moment where Elle rejects Warner strongly represents rebirth, as she steps away from her old self who was caught up on Warner, and moves on from that stage in her life, born anew, free from the desperation to win him back.
Further solidifying this scene as Elle’s moment of rebirth, the film portrays an interesting role reversal at the end which mirrors the scenario at the beginning of the film, during the graduation speech which Elle gives. At this point, Emmett, the lawyer who supervised her first case, is now her boyfriend, and actually intends to propose to her that night. Warner graduates “without honors, without a girlfriend, and without any job offers”. Furthermore, “Perfect Day” plays again, also mirroring the beginning of the film. I found this representation of the return to the perfect world very interesting, as this mirror image the film creates symbolizes how her life is the same, perfect life she had before, but different, with a new perspective on life, and has become a better version of herself.
I think it's also interesting how Elle's relationship with men transitions from one where she is doing most of the emotional labor/support to one defined by mutual support from both parties. In her "Cinderella" phase, Elle thinks that Warner will stay dedicated to her if she blindly offers loyalty to him, but this sentiment is disproven when he abandons her, and she has to deal with the emotional fall-out. In contrast, Emmett teaches her the value of support when he encourages her to stay on the case, and she supports him by proving their client innocent.
ReplyDeleteNice post, Inniyew. One thing I noticed while watching the film that further solidifies the moment of rebirth was the courtroom scene where Elle has to question whateverhernameis's daughter. Her "girl friends" are there to support her, but she is in a traditionally masculine setting/role. The reconciliation of both feminine and masculine in that moment is the perfect representation of rebirth for Elle.
ReplyDeleteI like how you mention the reuse of the song "Perfect Day" at the end of the movie. It's a really nice touch that emphasizes the cyclic nature of the movie, as well as the heroine's journey. It also shows how Elle has found her place in the world of law where she was once unwelcome.
ReplyDeleteI like your analysis of the film-- it is very clear and makes good points. I like the use of the song at the beginning and the end of the film, but it also begs the question of whether the perfect world at the end is just another illusion. I do agree that it shows that Elle is once again happy but has a new perspective on life, which is definitely shown through the growth in her character throughout the journey. I also like that the betrayal doesn't have to be reversed to return to the perfect world, but other events can have similar healing benefits.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Elle's illusion of the perfect world is shattered when she realizes that Warner is breaking up with her. This mini trauma triggers her journey of self-discovery and growth. Note that at the beginning of the film, Elle's goal is get back with her ex---so basically she's chasing male approval. However, through her journey, she realizes that her true goal is to prove herself and become a successful lawyer. She's found self-confidence and a real identity. This shift in her priorities is a significant aspect of her rebirth and the moment of truth.
ReplyDelete