Rating: 5/5
Warning: this review contains spoilers
I am very biased towards this film, which is definitely going to show in this review, but that’s just because I am absolutely in love with it. Legally Blonde did something very few films were capable of and still are, which is creating a well-rounded feminist film.
First, let’s talk about Elle Woods, the protagonist. Her purpose is to break the stereotypes associated with the ‘dumb blonde.’ Elle is bubbly, a lover of pink, and a fashionista. She has a degree in fashion merchandising and takes pride in her status as high school homecoming queen. All these things are often (wrongfully) used to discredit a woman, to render her as ditsy and trivial. In the film her ex, Warner states that he needs someone more serious to boost his image as a respectable lawyer and politician, calling her a ‘Marilyn’ while he needs a ‘Jackie.’ So, Elle spends the summer applying to law school to prove she is serious enough for Warner.
When Elle arrives at Harvard, she’s a fish out of water. Everyone there judges her on her bubbly personality and the clothes she wears, immediately assuming she’s not smart enough to be a lawyer. However, Elle remains true to herself. One of my favourite moments is when a group of law students are excluding her and a girl says “is that before or after you called me a d*ke behind my back.” Elle simply states she doesn’t use that word.
After trying to win Warner back, Elle realises that Warner will never truly see her as more than just a dumb blonde. He wanted her to be eye candy and nothing more. At a party she says to him “I will never be good enough for you, will I?” From this moment she starts doing this to prove to not just everyone else but what she is truly capable of.
In the end, Elle succeeds because she remains true to her values and herself while working hard to achieve her goals. Is this piece a perfect feminist film? Probably not, because I think that’s nearly impossible. But it damn well tries.
