Class & Generational Wealth in Legally Blonde

Summary

In a detailed analysis of *Legally Blonde*, the video explores how Elle Woods, despite her immense wealth, becomes a likable and relatable character. The film juxtaposes Elle’s 'new money' status with the old-money characters like Warner and Vivian, highlighting Elle's struggles to fit in within elite social circles. Her distinctive wardrobe, representing both her wealth and insecurities, becomes a key symbol in her journey. Ultimately, *Legally Blonde* portrays Elle as a character navigating the complexities of class and social expectations, offering a humorous yet poignant critique of wealth, privilege, and identity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Elle Woods is an extremely wealthy character in 'Legally Blonde', but her wealth does not make her immediately relatable to the audience, who likely do not share her level of privilege.
• 😀 Romantic comedies often feature characters who are comfortably off but not explicitly wealthy, making them more relatable to viewers. Elle is an exception because she flaunts her wealth openly.
• 😀 The film contrasts Elle's 'new money' status with the 'old money' background of characters like Warner and Vivian, highlighting different social attitudes toward wealth.
• 😀 Elle’s fashion choices, such as wearing bold colors and designer logos, signify her wealth, but also demonstrate her struggle to fit in with Harvard's elite, who dress more conservatively.
• 😀 The concept of 'performing' wealth is central to the film, with Elle attempting to conform to the expectations of her wealthier peers, but often failing to do so convincingly.
• 😀 The discomfort Elle experiences in trying to fit into elite spaces is portrayed through her wardrobe changes, reflecting her insecurity about belonging to the upper class.
• 😀 Characters like Warner and Vivian represent a more traditional, established kind of wealth, which makes Elle feel inadequate at times despite her financial success.
• 😀 The Neptune Salon scene represents a space where Elle feels at ease, as she does not need to perform her wealth in front of Paulette, who is more comfortable in her own blue-collar skin.
• 😀 Despite Elle’s wealth, the film frames her as a character struggling to navigate complex class dynamics, especially in comparison to others who have more deeply embedded social connections.
• 😀 The narrative of 'Legally Blonde' ultimately becomes a story of a woman striving to break into a class system that is rigid and resistant to change, even for the wealthy.
• 😀 Elle's journey reflects the broader theme that while money can provide access, it doesn’t automatically guarantee belonging, as social class is defined by connections and behaviors, not just wealth.

Q & A

Why is it challenging to make an extremely wealthy character like Elle Woods likable?

The challenge lies in Elle's immense wealth, which makes it difficult for the audience to relate to her. Her privilege, compared to most viewers' financial situations, sets her apart, creating a sense of alienation. The film overcomes this by showcasing her personal struggles and vulnerability, making her more relatable despite her wealth.

How does the film use fashion to distinguish Elle's class from other wealthy characters like Warner and Vivian?

Elle’s fashion is bold, colorful, and prominently displays designer brands, signaling her 'new money' status. In contrast, Warner and Vivian, who represent 'old money,' dress in more subtle, conservative styles, which communicate a sense of inherited wealth and established social status. This contrast emphasizes the difference in how wealth is performed.

What role does Elle’s wardrobe play in her attempts to fit in at Harvard?

At Harvard, Elle initially tries to blend in by adopting more neutral, conservative clothing, aiming to conform to the expectations of the academic elite. However, her attempt to fit in through her wardrobe ultimately fails, as she continues to stand out, signaling her discomfort with her social environment and her class insecurity.

What makes the Neptune Salon a place where Elle feels more at ease?

The Neptune Salon, with its more relaxed, downscale atmosphere, contrasts with the upscale environments where Elle struggles to fit in. The staff, like Paulette, have a blue-collar sensibility that aligns with Elle's own background, offering her a sense of comfort and belonging that she does not find in the more elite spaces at Harvard.

How does the film portray the tension between 'old money' and 'new money'?

The film creates this tension by showing how Elle’s wealth, although significant, doesn’t give her the same social credibility as characters like Warner and Vivian, who come from long-established wealthy families. Their wealth is a source of power and acceptance, while Elle's is a mark of outsider status in the upper echelons of society.

What is the significance of the compliment Elle receives from Vivian, calling her 'classy'?

Vivian’s compliment is a turning point in Elle’s journey of self-acceptance. It acknowledges Elle’s transformation and growth, recognizing her as an equal in terms of intellect and behavior. It’s also a subtle admission that class is not just about wealth, but about how one behaves and carries themselves in society.

How does Warner’s perspective on Elle reflect deeper issues of class insecurity?

Warner’s dismissive attitude toward Elle, especially his remark about her intelligence, is less about her intellectual abilities and more about her perceived lack of the 'right kind of wealth.' This reflects his belief that Elle does not belong at Harvard not because she isn’t smart, but because her wealth is new and not backed by established social connections.

What does Elle’s personal struggle to fit into the world of Harvard Law reveal about class dynamics in America?

Elle’s struggle underscores the rigidity of class in American society. Even though she works hard and proves herself academically, she is still judged by her social background, particularly the 'new money' status. This reflects the broader theme that in America, class is often defined by inherited wealth, connections, and a sense of 'old money' status that can’t be easily acquired.

How does the film address the idea of 'performing' wealth and the insecurities that come with it?

Elle’s constant adjustments to her wardrobe and behavior highlight her anxiety about being perceived as 'not the right kind of rich.' Despite her wealth, she feels the need to perform it in a way that fits in with elite spaces. Her vulnerability, especially when she fails to meet the class expectations of her Harvard peers, makes her more relatable to the audience.

What is the significance of Elle’s relationship with Paulette in the context of class identity?

Paulette represents a more grounded, working-class identity that allows Elle to feel unjudged and comfortable. Unlike the people at Harvard, Paulette doesn’t care about Elle’s wealth; instead, she values her personality. This dynamic highlights the contrast between the class anxieties Elle faces in elite settings and the sense of belonging she finds with people who are not fixated on class distinctions.