It’s more than romantic: Legally Blonde

Is Legally Blonde a rom-com? I assumed yes; after all, Elle Woods applies to and studies law at Harvard University because her ex-love needs someone serious. Despite his summer reconnection with an old girlfriend, Elle plans to win her lover back. Besides, (spoiler alert for a twenty-year-old movie: she ends up in a happy relationship with a proposal on the way.) 

However, the story breaks tradition immediately. The audience doesn’t follow Elle as she falls in love with Warner; instead, they’re breaking up. Still, she can have him if she breaks up his current relationship (a rom-com no-no). Still, elements of romance are present, and the main character achieves a happy career and a romantic ending. Plus, the audience quickly discovers this story isn’t about the guy. It’s about the girl.

This movie transcends generations and woke culture because of its simple teachings. When Elle realizes her dream marriage to Warner is impossible, her story shifts to life’s most important lessons. Elle summarizes the lessons as

·         First impressions are not always correct.

(which is ironic since the movie exceeds its first impression.)

·         You must always have faith in people and in yourself.

However, there are additional, subtler messages throughout the movie. It reminds its audience about confidence, kindness, and courage.

As a privileged blonde, Elle never ridicules, mistreats, and insults any of the people offending her.  She doesn’t stereotype the clearly stereotypical personalities around her even as they make inaccurate assumptions about her. With everyone she meets, she continuously embodies a friendly, perky, approachable person, suggesting how one treats others doesn’t depend on how others treat a person.

Elle also demonstrates the importance of attitude. Does the movie remind anyone else of The Little  Engine that Could? Elle attacks each challenge—getting into Harvard Law School, excelling in her classes, gaining the prestigious internship, winning the murder trial—with an “I think I can” attitude. When her progress is not enough, Elle doesn’t give up. Instead, she works harder. And while her confidence pushes her forward, the movie points out expertise—in this case, fashion and hair care—leads to success. These confidence and knowledge messages are invaluable to everyone.

I suspect Legally Blonde is a blockbuster not only because of the life guidance it offers but also the high concept that women’s comedy is not all about romance.

Men are awed by her beauty and attitude, but Elle doesn’t date during the movie. In fact, her new happy relationship is a footnote at the story’s end. Instead, the movie shows Elle being her best self—studying hard, raising her self-expectations, discovering a new interest/passion, and overcoming obstacles. The rom-com meet cute is with herself; the new love is who she’s becoming and the struggle of finding the best fit for who she is. Even the graduation scene is the metaphorical wedding: friends and loved ones witness the new union of who Elle is and what she has achieved.

Legally Blonde may have influenced countless rom-coms that tell women to love themselves, be happy with who they are, and show people who they are. In the last ten years, numerous romantic comedies have ended without a wedding or the unexpected love who’s ready when she is.

Spreading throughout entertainment, Legally Blonde changed the genre and its message for the better, which is the ultimate blockbuster behavior trait.