Stereotypical characters are the basis of many films and help to convey to the viewer some ideas that are expected from common heroes. She’s All That (1999), a rom-com directed by Robert Iscove, depicts several characters based on stereotypes. Firstly, the main heroine Laney is a shy girl, who does not differ in bright appearance but is extremely smart and has a subtle mental organization. She is underestimated by others, but her intelligence and soul loveliness become evident to everyone when she turns into a beauty. Secondly, the main male character Zackary presents the collective image of an ideal young man: an athlete, a handsome man, popular among classmates, and has success with girls. An obligatory attribute of such a character should be a rebellious spirit, which will be corrected only thanks to the love of the heroine. One more figure, which is of great interest in connection with the analysis of stereotyped images in cinema, is Taylor. She is Zackary’s girlfriend, beautiful, popular, and extraordinary narcissistic, which reflects the biases about this type of character. Concerning the actors, they fulfill the demands of their respective roles. For example, viewers can see Zackary’s self-confidence in a conversation with classmates at the beginning of the movie (She’s All That 00:12:00-00:12:14). He has to behave in such a way so as to occupy a leading position in the men’s collective. The actress performing Taylor conveys the frivolity of the heroine, who leaves Zachary for the sake of another man, through her gestures and flirty eyes. As for Rachael Leigh Cook, who performs Laney, she conveys the desire of the heroine to separate herself from others. She agrees to go with the hero to the theater by accident (She’s All That 00:19:35-00:19:53) and does not express admiration like the rest of the girls. To conclude, simple and understandable images of the movie’s characters have clearly defined and expected attributes performed by actors in a slightly exaggerated manner, which makes the film enjoyable for the viewer.
Reference
She’s All That. Directed by Robert Iscove, performance by Freddie Prinze Jr., Miramax Films, 1999.