Clueless Film Opening Analysis

In this film, we are shown numerous conventions that are typical in the teen angst genre. The girl that we first see is portrayed as a very typical stereotype that many people view that teenage girls act and look like. At the start, we see the production company's logo, along with a basic, but colourful title, announcing that the film is about to begin. 

For most of the opening sequence, it is a montage of what teenage girls stereotypically do. We see this main character in particular drive wrecklessly, which shows how she isn't mature and may portray that she is inexperienced in life and may not think about the consequences of her actions. We also see that the main character is shopping, and she is happy. This is a typical convention for teenage girls, as many are seen to enjoy shopping. This can also show that teenagers typically love money, and spending it.

Camerawork

In the opening sequence, we see how teenage girls act. This is helped by the camera shots that are used. Mainly, we see mid shots which give us enough details about the film, and what we are to expect. A long shot is used at the very beginning, which is to help establish where the film is to be set. During the montage, where typical conventions are highlighted, we see a party, where friends are dancing, a pool party with people laughing together, and a cafe where friends are also hanging out.

From these shots, we can clearly see how the target audience is aimed at teenage girls. This is because the content within this opening sequence will be able to be related the most to by teenage girls. This can be explained by the fact that this is what teenage girls do. They hang out with their friends, go shopping, and like to gossip. 

Editing

The editing is done in such a way that it seems fast-paced. This reflects on how the modern day seems to be much more fast-paced than previous years or generations. Many short clips are used to condense a lot of things going on into a very short timeframe. 

Mise-en-scene

The clothes which the characters wear are considered modern and following the latest fashion trends at the time of this movie's production. Part of the opening sequence shows how she picks out an outfit to wear. This shows how teenage girls are very conscious of how they look and appear to others. Not many props are used/seen in the opening, but one of note is the fresh orange juice that the main character makes. This carries through the connotation about how teenage girls care a lot about how they look.