'Legally Blonde' Analysis

The first aspect to be considered in the analysis of 'Legally Blonde' is editing. For example, the clip features the use of slow motion, when one of Elle's friends takes the letter. Not only does this let the audience take in the details of the setting, but it also helps create a feeling in the clip as being 'dream-like', and almost surreal. Furthermore the slow motion can be considered to show how Elle is relishing the day, as it is the 'perfect day', and that she wants it to go slow because of this.

Furthermore, the part in which this slow motion suddenly speeds up back to normal pace again when Elle's friend turns around and begins to walk highlights how busy the house is and that even though Elle is enjoying the day, there is still a large amount going on. This shows her popularity, as it makes her life appear constantly exciting, never with time to spare.

Thirdly is the application of cross cutting, predominately between Elle getting ready and the letter being passed from person to person. This shows the connection between the two, allowing the audience to understand that the letter is for Elle without needing to know her name or see the name on the letter.

Another piece of editing is the action match used when Elle's dog picks up the letter and carries it towards her. This shows how spoiled, or pampered, Elle is at it emphasises how she doesn't have to do anything herself. The letter was delivered to her without her having to move at all, whilst those around her rushed around instead for her.

Finally, the last piece of editing used is in the credits, with them being edited in and out in a fading effect, with pink hues behind them. The pink specifically can be considered to highlight the femininity of Elle and also to establish the type of audience the movie is aiming towards, whilst the fade helps to draw in the audience's attention, even as the scene was unfolding.

Moving on to camerawork, the first piece of camerawork is the close up shot of the letter when it had been put into the basket one of Elle's friend's bicycle. This emphasises the importance of it, and also allows the audience to see the name written on it. It therefore, when paired with the cross cutting, already provides a suggestion as to what the name of the protagonist could be and gives some information to the audience without the use of any dialogue.

Another close up used is the close up on Elle's blonde hair in the beginning of the opening, when she is brushing it. This creates the idea of 'Barbie', and suggests Elle could possibly be superficial or a typical 'preppy' girl, which is connoted through both this shot and the music that it is paired with during the scene.

Thirdly, in camerawork an establishing shot, which shows the sign outside of the sorority, is also used. This not only establishes that the house is a sorority, but it also provides a name of the sorority and tells us that, since Elle is in a sorority, she is most likely a student and therefore quite young.

Additionally, a tracking shot is also used almost continually throughout the clip, following the various girls through the house as they make their way to deliver the letter to Elle. This provides a seamless tour of the house, providing large amounts of detail to the audience non-verbally, as well as showing how far Elle's friends are willing to go for her whilst Elle does nothing  ̶  reinforcing the idea she is possibly selfish or self-absorbed.

Lastly, the use of a high angle pan as Elle's friend walks up the stairs provides a view of the location and also places the sorority members in the shot at a lower angle than the upstairs floor, where Elle is. This, as a result, creates the image that Elle is above and has more authority than the other girls in the house.

The third asset of 'Legally Blonde' is the soundtrack, which features both diegetic and non-diegetic sound. Firstly, the use of the non-diegetic music in the form of the upbeat, girly song 'Perfect Day' that continues throughout nearly the entire scene establishes the mood of the movie, showing it to be optimistic and cheerful. It also suggests the genre of the movie, and presents Elle's life to be 'perfect' as it is describing her day to be quite literally the 'perfect day'.

Another piece of soundtrack used is the diegetic, ambient sound of the sorority girls chatting. This shows just how many girls are actually staying in the house, and highlights Elle's popularity as it shows how many friends, and sorority sisters, she has. Once again, the presentation of Elle as a popular, 'Barbie' girl is emphasised.

Furthermore is the implementation of dialogue, particularly when the fraternity boys are yelling or 'cat calling' at Elle's friend as she rides through the streets on her bicycle. As a result, the audience understand that not only is Elle popular but her friends are too, implying that the sorority itself is most likely very popular or at least has members that are all considered 'popular'.

Finally, dialogue is also used when the letter is finally slipped under Elle's door and the music decreases, then allowing the audience to hear Elle talking on the phone. She is talking about a high class restaurant in the local area, and her voice has a typical 'valley girl' accent to it, which causes the audience to have an instant assumption that she could be considered as an airhead, or overall not very smart person. This is juxtaposed later on in the film when she gets into law school showing she is, in reality, fairly smart. 

The last aspect of the film to consider is the mise-en-scene, which plays an important part in conveying to the audience information both about the genre of the film and the protagonist, Elle. The first example of this is related to costume, in the fact that Elle is seen putting on a silver necklace that appears to be quite expensive. This could suggest her wealth, as she is able to afford several pieces of jewellery like this, which is proven by the matching bracelet she wears alongside this necklace during the clip. 

Another piece of mise-en-scene is the colour scheme, which features an extremely heavy use of pink that could suggest femininity and show how Elle could be considered to be a stereotypical girl. Furthermore, this colour scheme is paired with high key lighting, reflecting how Elle's life is perfect and the cheerful atmosphere her life has because of this.

Thirdly, there are two props in the movie which provide the audience with more important information about Elle, the first of which is a plaque. This tells the audience that not only is Elle a member of a sorority but she is the president of it, strengthening the idea that she is considered superior to the other sorority members as she is considered a leader.

The second prop is the sash on her wall, which tells the audience that Elle won homecoming queen in high school. The idea of homecoming queen is often associated with the 'popular' students and therefore suggests to the audience that Elle has always been very popular and follows the stereotypes of a popular girl. 

Finally, the last prop used is the teddy bears on her shelf, which create the image of a stereotypical rich girl, who still acts like a little girl due to the lack of need for them to grow up as their parents can still afford to support them. This adds to the overall stereotypes Elle is following, and gives the impression that she is a pampered, rich daughter.