Step 0: Watch Legally Blonde, then, read this excellent example of a film analysis: an article by Carol M. Dole called “The Return of Pink: Legally Blonde, third-wave feminism, and having it all.” (Provided below)
Step 1: Summarize the text
What is Dole’s central argument about third-wave feminism in this article? Sum it up in a paragraph. Then, tell me:
How does Dole ‘read’ Legally Blonde as playing out some of the central themes and contradictions of third-wave or “girlie” feminism?
What are some of the moments and/or scenes in the films Dole examines to make her case?
Step 2: Analyze the film
Then, conduct your own ‘reading’ of Legally Blonde: do you see this film as embodying feminist themes, or falling prey to misogynist stereotypes or both? Why? Use specific moments and/or scenes to back up your interpretations.
Checklist:
– Make sure to follow all steps
– Accurately summarize Dole’s argument
– Adequately summarize Dole’s reading of Legally Blonde
– Mention specific moments/scenes in Dole’s reading
– Demonstrate a point of view (i.e., make own argument about the film)
– Back up viewpoint with evidence from the film