There is a part of me, a rather large part, that really wants people to believe I am graceful, intelligent and worldly. That I might prefer spending a Saturday night, not doing body shots on a sticky bar illuminated with green neon but rather snuggled with my blanket and dog at home on my couch, enjoying a historical documentary about the ancient Sumerians, the invention of the telegraph or bingeing BBC America programs about upstairs and downstairs people. ‘What a classy gal that Karma.’ They would think to themselves while simultaneously feeling embarrassed about their lack of sophistication.
I have always labeled myself a nerd; I enjoyed learning new things, reading – BIG NERD flag! – essentially inclined towards less Jersey Shore more Shakesperean moors. However, I have found that over the years I have slackened in this endeavor, or perhaps there has been some overlap of public awareness. I mean, I remember a time, nobody would admit to liking superheroes, video games were for kids and Lord of the Rings, fuggedaboutit!
So, I found myself lacking, though also very aware that this is my insecurity, surely no one is out there judging me, at least not that I’m aware of, because let’s face it, what great motivation that would be? I’ll show them who’s well read and bred! Then again, am I just fooling myself like Viola fooled Orsino and Olivia?
So, here’s what happened. I was searching through the catalog of movies one day and happened upon the Amy Heckerling gem: ‘Clueless’. This happens to be one of my all-time favorite rom-coms ever! I mean we get to see youthful expressions of Paul Rudd, Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Donald Faison and the late great Brittany Murphy. The group dynamic is incredible and the writing so witty and sincere.
Now I like to dive deeper into the movies I’m watching, Google and IMDB searches and noted mention that ‘Clueless’ was loosely based on Jane Austen’s ‘Emma’. Color me intrigued!
I had to investigate this claim further, so I chose the 1996 ‘Emma’ – there are a few movies and tv adaptations – starring 20 something Gwenyth Paltrow. Yes, it is British, but I liked her accent well enough in ‘Shakespeare in Love’.
Now, the movie is good, but I’ll admit, for me, it was a little dull throughout, mostly I think due to the dreary backdrops and lack of modern music and choreographed dance sequences. However, I did find myself playing a fun game of ‘Wait, this IS ‘Clueless’!’
Emma is Cher, Elton is well, Elton, Harriet is Tai and George is Josh! I was so excited identifyig the similarities, like the Universe had revealed secrets that no one had ever known, even though I had already known from the internet. Or perhaps, I was just applauding the successful modern translation by Miss Heckerling. This was a bittersweet revelation.
Sure, I dined on Jane Austen – the original recipe no doubt but all it did was make me yearn for the updated fast-food version. And guess what? It didn’t stop there. 2006’s ‘She’s the Guy’, an Amanda Bynes and Channing Tatum vehicle for Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. And 2001’s ‘Get Over It’, another bard-based dessert starring Kristen Dunst and Ben Foster. Oh, and let’s not forget ‘Ten Things I Hate About You’, Julia Stiles playing the shrew and the late great Heath Ledger attempting to tame her.
So, am I splashing inanely in shallow waters? Licking the proverbial frosting and discarding the cake? Doomed to a pop culture distilled version of refined literature, delivered intravenously via Hollywood dealers? Masquerading as an erudite in fishnet stockings, short skirt and corset. Does anyone really care? More importantly, do I, or should I? I believe the answer is ‘No’. And here is why I think that it’s totally okay to appreciate, nay love, modern adaptations of finer literature.
1.They are familiar yet also unexpected. Cher’s Beverly Hills socialite version of Emma – interesting twist!
2. If it ain’t broke. Come on, these stories have stood the test of time, a great foundation to build upon.
3. It inspires people to check out the original works. It’s great PR for some dated material.
4. What? You’d rather watch another unnecessary 80’s remake?! Hellloo? Do not get me started on that tragic degradation of my childhood. Saving that for another post!
So, what did we learn today? Nothing really. Was it entertaining? Probably as much as watching a merry-go-round but hopefully not as nauseating. But all that really matters is that I had fun, right? Because I’m the one who had to write this piece assigned by me. *winky face*
Until next time – love and blessings
Karma Marie
Karma Marie 