20 Years of Clueless

Photo Credit: Wireimage

There are some movies that you love, there are some movies that you hate, there are some movies that you don’t even get, and then there are those movies that completely change, alter, and form every being of who you are and were growing up and that you don’t even know what you would have even done without it in your life. And I think I can safely say that the latter for me (and for every girl growing up) was near and far… “Clueless”. I’m pretty sure I felt like I learned how to drive through Dion and Cher’s crazy traffic moments, learned how to pair a solid plaid on plaid ensemble courtesy of Cher and her state of the art virtual and walk-in closet, and definitely learned how to excessively use the words and phrase “Whatever”, “As If”, and “Rolling With The Homies” because of every character and scene. Maybe it’s because I grew up in Los Angeles and practically Beverly Hills that I found an even greater bond with the movie or maybe it’s because director Amy Heckerling was able to somehow perfectly encapsulate the feel of high school, teens, fashion, friends, life, and love in 97 minutes. But whatever it is, now looking forward 20 years later, we see that this movie is still as relevant as ever (especially with the resurrection of “Clueless” through Iggy Azalea’s epic music video for the anthem “Fancy” that I can’t stop gushing about… or singing).

Last week the Los Angeles Film Festival kicked off a series of fun free screenings at the Nokia Plaza in Downtown Los Angeles to celebrate the announcement of their 2014 programming which started off with a one of a kind unique celebration commemorating a 20 year anniversary of “Clueless”. With your fave cast members all back together again including Alicia Silverstone aka Cher, Elisa Donovan aka Amber, Stacey Dash aka Dion, and director and mastermind behind the whole epidemic, Amy Heckerling, this was a moment like no other for die-hard fans. They gave us the inside scoop and thought process behind everything from how Amy came about casting the characters, to her times of sitting and studying the students in Mr. Hall’s drama class (for those of my fellow LA/ Beverly Hills High Schoolers you’ll appreciate that one), to the most talked about fashion that is still making a comeback today. I had the pleasure of chatting with probably by far my favorite fashionista (and archnemesis) from the series, Elisa Donovan, who gives us an exclusive peak into her world of “Clueless”.

Fashionlaine: Right now we’re celebrating the 20th anniversary of “Clueless”. Why do you think this movie seems to be so relevant and still so huge today?Elisa Donovan: The movie has that rarified magic combination of being utterly of the moment, and yet completely timeless. With “Emma” as a basis, Amy took that classic story and made it accessible to modern culture. I think that’s why it still resonates today and became such a classic of sorts. It’s really tough to make comedies in general, but Amy Heckerling has a specific genius talent in being able to have a very clear vision, communicate with the actors in a way that allowed us to experiment and be unique, whilst still serving the story. It’s because of Amy it’s still so popular!

FL: Did you ever imagine “Clueless” being such a phenomenon when you were shooting the movie or when you were apart of the TV show{fun fact: you can be sure I knew that TV show theme song by heart}?
ED: I didn’t think about it when we were making the movie. But as soon as we watched a screening of it together as a cast, I knew it was going to be huge. And then by the time we did the TV show, we already knew it was really hitting home with people…otherwise I don’t think the studio would have wanted to make a series out of it! I am definitely still amazed, grateful and tickled that people come up to and say how they love it still, today…it’s kind of mind boggling.

FL: What was your favorite part about playing Amber?
ED: Oh the wardrobe!! It was both my favorite part, and my albatross… albatross because I had to spend so much time in hair, make up and wardrobe, and generally always be uncomfortable in some crazy get up. But it was worth it. Amber was one of a kind. I also loved being the nemesis. It’s really fun to be the one who’s always stirring the pot and the one who has the awesome come back lines.

FL: Do you have a favorite fashion moment from the movie?ED: I would say the army/military ensemble. But I do love all of her feathered headbands as well. And how could we forget the homage to Pippi Longstocking?? But we shot that on a hot day, and it was all wool so…NOT on my fave list!

FL: Do you have a favorite scene from the movie?ED: Hmmm…I don’t know. That’s tough. Maybe the classroom scene where Cher and I have to give a presentation on Haiti.

FL: Have you seen Iggy Azalea’s music video for “Fancy”? What are your thoughts? ED: Ohmygod, yes I’ve seen it! Genius. I love it.

FL: “Clueless” has been such an inspirational and monumental movie for so many girls for so many years. Do you have a movie that’s been such an inspirational or huge part of your life?
ED: “Sixteen Candles”. I think there is a part of me that still pines for Jake Ryan.

FL: Do you have any exciting projects that you’re currently working on that fans can look forward to?ED: Along with being a mommy to my 2 year old daughter Scarlett, I’ve just worked on “Melissa and Joey”, and do a series of family movies called “The Dog Who Saved___” (insert holiday!).  They are great fun, family comedies that are a blast to shoot. I also just did the voice for Sheryl Sandberg’s bestseller “Lean In” and “Lean In For Graduates”, and I write a blog for People.com(http://celebritybabies.people.com/category/elisa-donovan-blog/) 

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