The classic example of High School Peer Pressure gone wrong.
As we all know, high school consists of many character types, and is a circus of chaotic teenagers. More importantly, the existence of the 'popular girls clique' continues today. Most teenagers in high school feel like they need to conform to the standards of popularity and struggle with being in or outside of "the cool group". Many films examine this idea lightly as a comedic perception, however Heathers is a dark take on popularity and the consequences of trying to fit in.
Is popularity that important in high school? How far will one go to become popular or accepted? Can you trust your peers in high school? The three Heathers and Veronica will surely bring some clarity to these issues by the end of the film- and the way audiences interpret it might change their perception surrounding the notion of the "IN CROWD".
THE HEATHERS CLIQUE- aka. the popular girls, mean-spirited, powerful, mischievous.
Heather Chandler (Kim Walker): the leader of the group, worshiped by all.
Heather Duke ( Shannon Doherty) : 2nd in command in the Heathers group, wants to be the leader.
Heather Mcnamara( Lisanne Falk): the girl who is " there for the ride", the "tag along".
Veronica Sawyer (Winona Ryder) : new member of the group, smart, strong personality, fearless.
These four pretty/popular girl's personalities clash with each other in the film. What's interesting is even the popular girls themselves pressure each other and compete within the group. Veronica is the only character that is outside of the social hegemony created within the school and she is not overly concerned with being popular. The film is a good examination of how cliques are formed, and dealt with outside and inside the group.
Issues adressed in Heathers-
- Teen Suicide
- Humanity
- Peer Pressure
- Love
- Trust
- Teenage behavior
- Sexuality
- Oppression of authority (parents, school, etc.)
- Jealousy
- Strength and Weakness
" Its just like- they are people I work with. Our job is to be popular and shit!"- Veronica
" Grow up Heather, Bulimia is so '87!" - Heather Chandler
"I saw we just grow up, be adults, and die."- Veronica
" Heather says real life sucks losers dry. If you want to fuck with the eagles, you have to learn how to fly" - Veronica
Related Features : Jawbreaker, Pump up the Volume, Party Girl, Gossip Girl, Teaching Mrs. Tingle, Saved!, Sweet Revenge.
Your post actually reminded me of another good example of the dangers of trying to fit in - a horrible film called "The In Crowd." It played off the class difference of rich kids hanging out at a resort style establishment and the poor girl who worked there and dared to fall in love. It ultimately became a murder mystery/thriller...naturally
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